Most people have seen the large sign by the Lifeguard Headquarters in the beach parking lot that lists the high and low tides and surf conditions, but have you ever looked on the other side?
On the back of the tide conditions sign in the north parking lot is another sign—this one with color illustrations listing 21 types of fish found in local and nearby waters.
It lists information on the local fish, including whether they are edible and if they can be legally caught. The fish sign is the brainchild of Ryan Lowe, a 16-year-old Eagle Scout from Seal Beach. The rank of Eagle Scout is scouting’s highest honor.
The illustrated sign was his Eagle Scout project and has been up since late last year.
Ryan, who is home-schooled, received his Eagle Scout status earlier this year when he was 15. He first talked to Marine Safety Chief Joe Bailey, who met regularly with Ryan and was the overseer of the project.
It was approved by the leaders of Troop 1673 and then proposed to the Scout Council.
When completed, his project was reviewed again.
In addition, Eagle Scout candidates must have a minimum of 21 Merit Badges, including 13 mandated Merit Badges.
Ryan spent more than 200 hours on his Eagle Scout project. The All American Sign Co. in Los Alamitos helped Ryan with the logistics of the actual sign, and college professors lended a hand with the fish illustration.
