PACIFIC BEACH – For the third consecutive year, the Pacific Beach Town Council and the Ocean Park Inn are teaming up to raise $20,000 for ocean safety and awareness.
Now through July 4, all money from the joint fundraiser will go toward installing new rip-current warning signs in Pacific Beach. These critical signs will alert beachgoers to dangerous currents, helping to prevent accidents, save lives, and assist lifeguards.
San Diego Lifeguard Chief James Gartland was appreciative of the effort. “We are extremely humbled and honored to be recognized and identified by the community for this fundraiser,” he said. “All of the items they are proposing will assist San Diego Lifeguard operations and make our beaches a safer and better place.”
During summer, PB attracts international tourists, many of whom may be unfamiliar with ocean safety. That’s where well-placed, easy-to-understand signage is critical.
The new rip current safety signs will be installed in strategic, high-traffic areas identified by San Diego lifeguards to ensure maximum visibility and educational utility. Clear warnings, simple graphics, and multilingual messaging are all elements being considered to reach as many people as possible.
Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. They typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers.
The United States Lifesaving Association reports that rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. There are also more than 100 deaths each year in the U.S. attributed to rip currents.
The fundraiser was officially launched on World Oceans Day on June 8, a global event highlighting the importance of oceans and the need to protect them. The observance celebrates the ocean’s vital role in sustaining life, raising ocean awareness, and inspiring action to conserve and sustainably manage marine resources.
Matching ocean fundraiser sponsors include Belmont Park, OMG Hospitality Group, Surfer Beach Hotel, and Firehouse PB, along with the Ocean Park Inn. Ocean Park Inn will be matching every donation dollar-for-dollar throughout the campaign.
Last year’s campaign raised approximately $14,000, directly supporting improvements throughout PB. This year’s $20,000 goal reflects the increasing need for more advanced safety measures along the shoreline.
“This is something we do every year with PB Town Council and the business and local community,” said Elvin Lai, fourth-generation owner-operator of boutique Ocean Park Inn at 710 Grand Ave. “We all come together to do a matching fundraiser. Years before, we matched (in donations) $3,000. This year, for every $1 donated to PBTC, the participating businesses will match every dollar up to $11,000.”
Added Lai: “As a beachfront property, Ocean Park Inn sees the ocean’s beauty and its potential dangers every day. We’re proud to support a project that directly benefits the safety of our community and the guests and locals who visit PB year-round.”
PBTC president Charlie Nieto expanded on the new signage being funded. “These rip current signs are something our local lifeguards specifically requested, and that says everything. Their insight drives our actions,” he said. “With Ocean Park Inn’s partnership and community support, we’re confident we can make our beach safer for everyone this summer.”
Nieto said this year’s annual ocean fundraiser, which started two years ago on Earth Day, is taking donations to a higher level.
“Kicking it off on World Oceans Day, the community’s donations will be matched by all five participating businesses, making it a five-to-one match,” he said. “Right now we’re at $6,000 in donations to raise $20,000 by July 4.”
This initiative is just one part of both Ocean Park Inn and PBTC’s broader commitment to community education, beach stewardship, and public safety. Over the past several years, both organizations have collaborated on projects ranging from beach cleanups and sustainability events to local fundraisers and holiday activations.
This year’s ocean fundraiser benefiting lifeguards is something of a prelude to them being honored by PBTC on Sept. 24 at the 45th annual Police and Emergency Services Appreciation Night (PAESAN), which is a 40-plus year tradition featuring a community barbecue and awards ceremony honoring first responders.
The event rotates among lifeguards, firefighters, park rangers, and police. Typically, PBTC purchases items that are needed for first responders, but which are not funded by the current city budget.
“This year’s ocean safety fundraiser has a special connection to PAESAN given that this is the year of lifeguards being honored,” said Nieto.
He added that new riptide signage “will help alert, and educate, the public not only about the danger of rip currents, but about the hard work of lifeguards on multiple levels.”
The campaign will culminate in a community celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 24, where a ceremonial check will be presented to the city’s Lifeguard Division in honor of their continued service and dedication.
Donations can be made here. For more information, visit oceanparkinn.com and pbtowncouncil.org.
