The City Council approved giving lifeguards the authority to issue citations for such infractions as smoking on the beach, possession of a glass container and urinating in public. The rule takes effect next month after a second council vote.

Harbor and Beaches manager Ray Duncan says lifeguards needed more power because repeat offenders know lifeguards couldn't issue citations. The new rule means police won't have to be called down to the beach for minor problems.

Under current rules, a lifeguard captain and lieutenant were only allowed to issue citations. The new rule adds the chief and the four sergeants.