California Surf Lifesaving Association

Causes: Disaster Aid, Safety Education

Mission: To promote beach safety awareness and professional lifeguard standards through public education, training programs, exchange programs, junion lifeguard programs, competition and other means. The ultimate goal is to prevent and reduce aquatic injuries, accidents and death at open-water beaches in the united states and throughout the world.

Programs: Promote beach safety awareness and professional open-water lifesaving standards. Members include lifeguards, junior lifeguards, and open ater professionals from california and arizona. Assist usla in promulagating minimum recommended lifesaving standards and certifying compliance of over 30 local, county, and state agencies. The csla support the usla with its continued collaboration with the american red cross and the ymca of the usa harnessing the expertise of a wide range of profeessionals in identifying best practices in lifesaving and drowning prevention. Participate as delegates, make presentations, and represent the cslsa to the usla at the semi-annual board of directors meetings. Participate and promote national beach safety week in june each year.

in partnership with the national oceanic and atmospheric administration, disseminate rip current education materials via the cslsa website, media interviews, video games, pod cast, rip current safety videos, and supporting literature. Continuous updating the cslsa website to provide educational and professional information to the public and lifesavers around the world.

production and publication annual cal surf news magazine to open water rescuers throughout california to share information of best practice and thereby help reduce the incidence of drowning.

issue awards of heroism to select, deserving citizens and lifeguards.

exchange of professional and volunteer lifesaving techniques and equipment with lifeguards throught the world. Two lifeguards from new zealand exchange with california lifeguards and visit the opposite beaches to exchange lifesaving ideas and techniques.

junior lifeguard programs to provide beach and water safety training for boys and girls ages 9-17. Programs provide education and exxperience in ocean safety, first aid, rescue techniques, beach activities, physical fitness, and marine safety while exxposing participants to an environment that emphasizes courtesy, respect, discipline, and good sportsmanship. Junior lifeguards are invited to compete at the cslsa regional competition each year in july, the usla national competition each august, and the california state games in july. They host an annual contest of art, posters, or essays. Annual awards are given for junior lifeguards of the year. Cslsa serves approximately 5,000 junior lifeguards each year.

educate the public and increase education of lifesavers to promote water safety.

host lifesaving sport and fitness regional competition annually in newport beach, ca for lifeguards and junior lifeguards with attendance approaching 2,000 youth and adults.