Laguna Beach Announces Changes to the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Team

Current Marine Safety Chief Kevin Snow to Retire in August After 44-Year Career; Kai Bond Appointed Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – Today Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff announced two major transitions for the Laguna Beach Marine Safety leadership team, both involving consequential and important leaders in the Department. First, the City accepted with respect and appreciation the retirement announcement of Marine Safety Chief Kevin Snow. Chief Snow announced that he will retire in August 2024 after serving 44-years with the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department.

Chief Snow started as a Rookie Ocean Lifeguard in 1981, and progressed through the ranks to Ocean Lifeguard I, II, III/Lifeguard Supervisor, Marine Safety Officer, Marine Safety Lieutenant, Marine Safety Captain, and was promoted to Marine Safety Chief in 2009. Snow’s notable career accomplishments include being part of the scoping for the Marine Life Protection Act for the City of Laguna Beach, was part of the team that developed and implemented the new Lifeguard Headquarters on Main Beach, the mitigation of several oil spill incidents, management of beach and ocean protocols during the COVID Pandemic, the assumption of all South Laguna beaches from the County of Orange, and the recent reinstatement of Marine Safety Rescue Vessel program, “Wave Watch.”

"Kevin Snow has been an exemplary leader and a cornerstone of our Marine Safety team. His dedication and professionalism have not only safeguarded our beaches but also inspired his team to uphold the highest standards of lifeguarding,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf. “We are immensely grateful for his many years of service and the positive impact he has had on our community. Kevin's legacy will continue to influence Marine Safety long after his retirement."

City Manager Dave Kiff said, “Kevin exemplifies the professionalism of lifeguarding and instilled that in his team, just as his predecessors instilled it in Kevin. I wish Chief Snow the best and look forward to seeing him in retirement. Thank you, Kevin, for your fine service. I will miss you, and I know Laguna Beach Marine Safety will, too.”

Chief Snow said, "I am immensely proud of my career with the Marine Safety Department and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Laguna Beach community. It's been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and professional Captains, Marine Safety Officers, and lifeguards. As I retire, I have full confidence in Kai Bond's ability to lead the department. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to safety make him the perfect successor. I look forward to seeing the continued excellence of our Marine Safety team under his leadership. I will forever treasure the time spent working with residents on our beaches, and the community connections and friendships that I’ve made over these past 44 years. I am deeply grateful to Ken Frank for hiring me many years ago and entrusting me with the responsibility of safeguarding our beaches.”

Snow will officially retire on August 18, 2024.

Secondly, Kiff announced the appointment of Laguna Beach Marine Safety Acting Chief and Marine Safety Captain Kai Bond, a 29-year veteran of the Marine Safety Department, effective August 5, 2024.

“Kai Bond has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership over nearly three decades with the Marine Safety Department,” said Laguna Beach City Manager Dave Kiff. “His extensive experience and deep-rooted commitment to the safety of our community and beachgoers make him the ideal choice for Marine Safety Chief. I am confident that under his leadership, our Marine Safety team will continue to provide the highest level of service and protection to our community. I’m proud of Chief Bond as he reaches this step in his service.”

"I am deeply honored to be appointed as Marine Safety Chief and to continue serving the Laguna Beach community. The last 30 years with the Marine Safety Department have been incredibly rewarding, and I am committed to upholding the high standards of safety and service that our team is known for,” Bond stated. “I look forward to leading our dedicated lifeguards and ensuring that our beaches remain safe and welcoming for all visitors. Chief Snow has been an incredible leader and a mentor, and we have greatly benefitted from his leadership over the last 40-plus years.”

Bond has been involved with the Laguna Beach Lifeguard program since he joined Junior Lifeguards at the age of 8. He has held many positions in the Department, including Rookie Ocean Lifeguard, Seasonal Ocean Lifeguard I, II, and III/Lifeguard Supervisor, Marine Safety Officer, Marine Safety Lieutenant, Marine Safety Captain, and Acting Marine Safety Chief. Bond holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University Long Beach. He grew up in Laguna Beach and lives in Laguna Hills with his wife Tanya and two daughters.

The Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department protects over 6,000,000 beach visitors annually along seven-and-a-half miles of the City's coastline. It is one of the largest Marine Safety Departments in California. Every day of the year, lifeguards ensure safety and provide customer service to the visitors on the beach, boardwalk, and in the ocean. The Marine Safety Department provides the City of Laguna Beach with the highest level of lifeguarding services and is recognized as an Advanced Agency by the United States Lifesaving Association.