The beach also provides a nesting sanctuary for California least terns, an endangered subspecies, and snowy plovers, a threatened species on the West Coast.

1938 Doheny, San Clemente State Beaches have lifeguard services provided by county of Orange.

He hired 17 seasonal lifeguards, who worked out of ten towers with no phones or radios and were supported by one jeep.

1951 Silver Strand State Beach is opened and Isenor coordinates hiring of seasonal lifeguards for this operation.

1957 State considers providing service at Folsom, Pajaro, Stinson Beach and Half Moon Bay.

Late Sixties Department creates Aquatic Specialist and Lifeguard Supervisor positions.

1987 In response to growing a boom in population, dramatic increases in recreation usage, and numerous drownings along the Central and Northern California coastline, a budget change proposal is approved that places lifeguards along the Russian River coastal area, more than doubles the size of the Santa Cruz seasonal lifeguard operation, and places two permanent lifeguards in the Monterey District.

Sandbars extend across and upcoast throughout the beach, creating shallow waters around the south end.

Located directly behind Huntington State Beach are two power plants, wetlands, sand dunes, sewage facility, residential homes and a toxic waste dump.

It is thought that because of the penetration of toxic chemicals into the soil, high level water contamination is often around the Magnolia Street entrance.

Around the Brookhurst Street entrance high levels of contamination are also typical because of both river mouths.

Between late spring, summer and into the fall, Huntington State Beach directly receives all swells from the south.

Due to the Santa Ana River Jetties located at the southern end of the beach, large sandbars extend across and upcoast approximately 1 mile.

These sandbars shift dramatically during the spring and summer seasons thus creating dangerous conditions.

Swimmers are advised to take extreme caution, remain close to shore and in front of a lifeguard tower.

Huntington State Beach tends to be less breezy than nearby upcoast locations, nevertheless can be cold at times.

Huntington State Beach does permit surf fishing as long as there are no nearby swimmers.

A California least tern and snowy plover reserve is located at the southern end of the beach between Talbert Channel and the Santa Ana River.