Our Impact
Supporting our Lifeguards
The Santa Cruz State Lifeguard Association transforms community support into meaningful events and initiatives that strengthen our lifeguards, invest in the next generation through the Junior Lifeguard Program, and serve the Santa Cruz community. Through scholarships, training and fitness resources, community events, and member programs, we provide the support and opportunities that help today's lifeguards and tomorrow's lifesavers thrive while promoting a safer beach community.
Investing In The Next Generation
Junior Lifeguard Scholarships
The SCSLA is committed to making the Santa Cruz State Junior Lifeguard Program accessible to local families. Each year, we donate more than $4000 in scholarships to help cover program costs, ensuring that more young people have the opportunity to develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, and lifelong ocean safety skills. By investing in today's Junior Guards, we are helping inspire the next generation of ocean stewards and public servants.
Supporting Lifeguard Excellence
Training and Fitness
Providing exceptional public safety begins with well trained, physically prepared lifeguards. To support our members, the SCSLA has invested in, and continues to invest in a dedicated fitness space by purchasing gym equipment available for member use. This resource helps our lifeguards maintain the strength, endurance, and readiness required to perform demanding rescue operations and provide the highest level of service to the public.
Bringing our Community Together
Community Events
Annual Pancake Breakfast
Our Annual Pancake Breakfast is one of the SCSLA's newest traditions, bringing together lifeguards, local families, and community members for a fun morning at the beach. Beyond serving breakfast, the event raises funds that directly support JG scholarships, training resources, and other association initiatives while providing an opportunity for the community to connect with the lifeguards who protect our coastline.
Sandman Triathlon
The Sandman Triathlon is a long-standing SCSLA tradition that combines friendly competition with community engagement. This annual event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities for a fun day on and around the beach while helping raise funds that support the association's mission. Events like the Sandman Triathlon strengthen the connection between our lifeguards and the community we proudly serve.
Supporting our members
Annual Banquet and
Lifeguard Events
​A strong lifeguard team is built on more than training alone. Throughout the year, the SCSLA organizes member events that encourage camaraderie, teamwork, physical excellence, and lasting friendships among our lifeguards. The aquaman, a run swim run consisting of over 7 miles of running, and roughly two miles of swimming is a prime example. Another crowd favorite is JG games, where all the lifeguards get together to play Junior Lifeguard Games with some nostalgia filled competition. We also host our annual end-of-season awards banquet, recognizing the dedication and accomplishments of our members while celebrating another successful summer of protecting Santa Cruz's beaches.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
Send us an email, direct message on Instagram (@sczstatelifeguards), or fill out the form below.
