A family plays at the beach as crews anchor down an aquatic playground at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach Tuesday, June 21, 2022. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.

It’s just about time to hit the beach. Long Beach will kick off the summer season on Friday, June 14 when it opens its popular inflatable playgrounds that float just off the coastline.

Long Beach has two of the play structures, called Wibits. One is at Alamitos Beach between Fifth and Sixth places and another at Bayshore Beach — also known as Horny Corner — at 5415 E. Ocean Blvd.

The Wibits have springboards, bouncers, monkey bars and other obstacles for beachgoers to clamber across and jump off.

A man slides down belly first on a ramp at the Alamitos Beach Wibit. Photo by Fernando Haro.

The Wibits will be supervised by lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until Sept. 2.

To use them, beachgoers have to follow certain rules:

  • Everyone using the Wibits will have to pass a swim test.
  • Children under 9 must have a parent or guardian with them.
  • Life jackets and floatation devices are not allowed on the Wibits.

Long Beach officials urged people to be responsible, noting that playing in the water and on the Wibits is a strenuous and “naturally dangerous activity.”

“Please use caution, follow all posted rules, and have fun!” the city said in its announcement about the opening. You can find more info here.