Three in custody following lifeguard attack at Venice Beach

Toni Guinyard reports for Today in LA on Friday July 31, 2015.

Authorities say a Los Angeles County lifeguard is recovering after he was attacked by three people as he climbed down from the Venice Pier tower.

Several bystanders recorded the attack with their cellphones.

The lifeguard, who has not been identified, can be seen telling a colleague that one of the attackers threw a lit cigarette into his tower.

Two fellow guards broke up the fight, which happened on Thursday evening, police confirmed. Another lifeguard arrived at the scene during the struggle.

Two of those arrested were male and one was female, according to Haskett. Family members of the three assailants dispute the claim that the lifeguard was only defending himself.

LAPD lieutenant Daniel Gonzalez told NBC Los Angeles that the suspects were believed to have been intoxicated at the time of the incident.

One suspect was also taken to a hospital, but that person’s condition was not immediately available, Herrera said.

“There was a woman, who was struggling with the lifeguard, who was screaming”, said witness Chase Gilliland.

‘He sexually harassed me, ‘ the woman is heard saying before the parties split up. “I see these guys save lives every day”. “Usually, lifeguards are just chill and try to keep the peace. But sometimes the tourists get a little rowdy in the summertime”.

He and the two other suspects were taken into custody.

The lifeguard was transported to the hospital where he was being treated for injuries to his hand and arm, including a possible fracture, said Los Angeles County Fire Department Supervisor Bernard Peters.