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Youth

Student Surfers Advocate for Ocean Safety and Environmental Protection in Santa Monica

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Dozens of students from Pacifica Christian High School's surf team will join peers from schools across Los Angeles at Santa Monica City Hall on July 29, urging city leaders to protect and improve beach and ocean health. Recent water tests by the LA County Department of Public Health revealed elevated bacteria levels in nine popular swim zones, despite no recent rainfall. The students, through their youth-led initiative supported by The Coastal Alliance, will deliver science-based comments, visuals, and calls for action to keep beach water safe, uphold Santa Monica's leadership in environmental protection, and collaborate with the city on future solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over two dozen students from Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and the South Bay will participate in the event, delivering science-based comments and calls for action to protect ocean health.
  • The students aim to keep beach water safe, uphold Santa Monica's leadership in environmental protection, and collaborate with the city on future solutions.
  • Recent water tests by the LA County Department of Public Health revealed elevated bacteria levels in nine popular swim zones, despite no recent rainfall.
  • The students will present tangible ideas, including youth-led water monitoring and expanded storm drain awareness, and offer to collaborate on local projects with city officials.
  • The event is a call to action for the city to prioritize ocean safety and environmental protection, with the students advocating for a seat at the table to protect ocean health.

Statistics:

  • 24 students from Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and the South Bay will participate in the event.
  • 9 popular swim zones in Santa Monica have elevated bacteria levels, according to recent water tests by the LA County Department of Public Health.
  • 17-year-old team co-captain Teal Greene emphasizes the importance of listening to science and keeping the ocean safe for everyone.
  • 10 schools across Los Angeles will be represented at the event, joining Pacifica Christian High School's surf team in advocating for ocean safety and environmental protection.

Sources:

  • The Coastal Alliance (ash@thecoastalalliance.org | 310-612-3929)
  • Surfers Who Serve founder Joe Holscher (Kelly Holscher, team coordinator, Pacifica Christian High School Surf Team, kellyannholscher@gmail.com | 310-283-8100)
  • Pacifica Christian High School's surf team
  • Santa Monica City Hall
  • LA County Department of Public Health

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