La Jolla Cove memories from a former lifeguard: was 1946, the first my three years as a seasonal lifeguard. I stepped out of the dressing room anticipating another great day guarding at the La Jolla Cove. Next, I checked out the conditions. Surf was up, breaking over the reef. Only a few people swimming close to shore. Probably big sets breaking at “Boomer Beach,” 100 yards south of The Cove. “After work I’ll go body surfin’ there,” I thought.