San Diego lifeguards broke previous summer records this year with 1,707 rescues in June, 4,102 in July and 1,279 in August. Lifeguards generally average 1,067 rescues in June, 1,807 in July and 818 in August.

So far this year lifeguards have made 8,628 rescues while the previous record set in 1993 was 7,446.

Lifeguard Chief Rick Wurts said his team has been fully committed to protecting the lives of San Diego beachgoers.

“Every member of this Division pulled together and worked as a team to keep our coast safe,” Wurts said. “They are an outstanding group of professionals.”

The increased number of rescues may be due in part to the extended period of warm ocean temperatures to promote more people to come to the beaches.