Del Mar, California · Est. 1975
Safe Fun in the Sun!
Help us support the Del Mar Lifeguards and Beach Community. We’re the 501(c)(3) nonprofit behind the City of Del Mar’s lifeguards — funding equipment, scholarships, and safety education since 1975.
Our mission is to promote beach and ocean safety through training, outreach, and education.
Where the money goes
What your donation does
01Rescue equipment
Boards, rescue gear, and tools that go beyond what the city budget covers — so the guards on the sand always have what the job demands.
02Lifeguard scholarships
Scholarships for Del Mar lifeguards pursuing their education, because the people who protect this beach are worth investing in.
03Safety education
Beach and ocean safety training, outreach, and education for the community — fewer emergencies start with more knowledge.
04Community events
The Polar Plunge, the Fish Fry Surf Contest, and gatherings that keep Del Mar's beach community tight-knit and salty.
Who we are
The support behind the guards
Here’s the important distinction: the lifeguards watching Del Mar’s water are professionals employed by the City of Del Mar. DMLA is not the lifeguard department — we’re the independent nonprofit that backs them up.
Since 1975, this association has made sure the guards have equipment the city budget can’t stretch to, that young lifeguards get scholarship support, and that the whole community knows how to stay safe in the water.
One thing we are not: an emergency contact. If you see trouble at the beach, call 911.
Our lifeguards
64 guards strong in 2025
Every season, the City of Del Mar’s lifeguard crew lines up on the sand for the team photo. Meet the latest photographed roster — and the crews from seasons past — name by name.
Meet the teamMore than fifty years of supporting the guards.
Help us keep Del Mar’s guards equipped, educated, and supported for the years ahead.
Make a Donation