The photographs, submitted by a SanDiegoVille reader, show visible orange-brown corrosion forming at multiple welded connections on the tower's galvanized steel frame. While SanDiegoVille cannot independently determine whether the corrosion is merely cosmetic surface rust or indicative of a more significant structural concern, the images have prompted calls for the City of San Diego to inspect the nearly new facility.
"The new $2.5 million, 70-day-old Mission Beach Lifeguard Tower is already rusting apart at the seams," wrote the reader, Kevin, who submitted the photographs. "Would appreciate if you could report on the problem so that the City fixes it before it's too late."
The temporary tower officially opened in late May after approximately 70 days of construction, replacing operations at the aging Mission Beach Lifeguard Station adjacent to Belmont Park. The original station, built in 1982, remains standing behind fencing after engineers determined it had deteriorated to the point that falling debris posed a potential hazard to the public. City inspections documented severe cracking, water intrusion, corroded reinforcing steel, and structural deterioration that ultimately forced officials to relocate year-round lifeguard operations.
The temporary tower itself was constructed under an emergency contract awarded to El Cajon-based Cass Arrieta after City officials determined the deteriorating 1982 lifeguard station had reached a critical condition that required immediate action. As SanDiegoVille previously reported, the project became one of dozens of multimillion-dollar emergency public works contracts awarded in recent years as San Diego increasingly relied on emergency procurement to address infrastructure that had been deteriorating for years. The apparent rust now visible on portions of the replacement structure is likely unrelated to those broader procurement decisions, but it is nonetheless drawing fresh scrutiny to one of the City's most visible emergency construction projects.
From the moment it opened, the replacement tower attracted widespread criticism over both its industrial appearance and its cost. Initial reports suggested taxpayers were paying roughly $4 million for what many described as a temporary scaffolding tower. City officials later clarified that approximately $2.5 million represented the construction cost of the observation tower and adjacent office trailer, while the overall project total also included engineering, permitting, emergency stabilization of the existing station, utility work, site preparation, and other related expenses necessary to keep lifeguard operations functioning safely.
From the moment it opened, the replacement tower attracted widespread criticism over both its industrial appearance and its cost. Initial reports suggested taxpayers were paying roughly $4 million for what many described as a temporary scaffolding tower. City officials later clarified that approximately $2.5 million represented the construction cost of the observation tower and adjacent office trailer, while the overall project total also included engineering, permitting, emergency stabilization of the existing station, utility work, site preparation, and other related expenses necessary to keep lifeguard operations functioning safely.
The City has repeatedly defended the project, emphasizing that the structure was custom engineered for installation on beach sand in an unforgiving marine environment.
"This is not a quick-and-easy cosmetic project," the Mayor's Office stated in a June fact sheet responding to public criticism. Officials explained that the tower required specialized engineering, deep foundations, anchoring systems, utility connections, and Coastal Commission permitting because of its location directly on the beach.
Those same harsh coastal conditions, however, are also among the most aggressive environments for steel corrosion. Salt-laden ocean air can accelerate oxidation, particularly around welded areas where protective coatings may be altered during fabrication. Without a detailed engineering inspection, it is impossible to determine from photographs alone whether the visible rust represents ordinary surface oxidation commonly seen on new galvanized steel near welds, staining from fabrication, or something requiring corrective action.
"This is not a quick-and-easy cosmetic project," the Mayor's Office stated in a June fact sheet responding to public criticism. Officials explained that the tower required specialized engineering, deep foundations, anchoring systems, utility connections, and Coastal Commission permitting because of its location directly on the beach.
Those same harsh coastal conditions, however, are also among the most aggressive environments for steel corrosion. Salt-laden ocean air can accelerate oxidation, particularly around welded areas where protective coatings may be altered during fabrication. Without a detailed engineering inspection, it is impossible to determine from photographs alone whether the visible rust represents ordinary surface oxidation commonly seen on new galvanized steel near welds, staining from fabrication, or something requiring corrective action.
The timing is drawing additional attention because Mission Beach has experienced one of its busiest summers in recent memory. The temporary tower has served as the primary observation point during peak beach season, including weeks of packed FIFA World Cup watch parties at nearby FIT Social, formerly the Wave House, which brought thousands of additional visitors to Belmont Park and the surrounding boardwalk.
The temporary tower is expected to remain in service until the City constructs a permanent replacement lifeguard station. Current plans call for an approximately $25 million facility that would replace the deteriorating 44-year-old building with a modern station featuring expanded operational space for year-round lifeguard services. The existing lifeguard station remains fenced off because of concerns that deteriorating concrete and corroded structural elements could pose a danger to pedestrians walking along the boardwalk.
The temporary tower is expected to remain in service until the City constructs a permanent replacement lifeguard station. Current plans call for an approximately $25 million facility that would replace the deteriorating 44-year-old building with a modern station featuring expanded operational space for year-round lifeguard services. The existing lifeguard station remains fenced off because of concerns that deteriorating concrete and corroded structural elements could pose a danger to pedestrians walking along the boardwalk.
The apparent rust visible on the temporary structure has now sparked questions about whether additional inspection or preventative maintenance may already be warranted despite the facility's relatively recent completion.
SanDiegoVille has contacted the City of San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria, City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell's office, and San Diego Lifeguard Department for comment, asking whether the corrosion shown in the photographs has been inspected, whether officials consider it normal for the structure's design and materials, whether any maintenance or repairs are planned, and whether engineers have identified any concerns regarding the tower's structural integrity. This article will be updated if a response is received.
The temporary Mission Beach Lifeguard Tower is located adjacent to Belmont Park at 3141 Ocean Front Walk in Mission Beach.
Originally published on August 4, 2026.
SanDiegoVille has contacted the City of San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria, City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell's office, and San Diego Lifeguard Department for comment, asking whether the corrosion shown in the photographs has been inspected, whether officials consider it normal for the structure's design and materials, whether any maintenance or repairs are planned, and whether engineers have identified any concerns regarding the tower's structural integrity. This article will be updated if a response is received.
The temporary Mission Beach Lifeguard Tower is located adjacent to Belmont Park at 3141 Ocean Front Walk in Mission Beach.
Originally published on August 4, 2026.
