By Khalida Sarwari
A fundraiser in Santa Cruz Monday night for seasonal lifeguards at county state beaches brought in nearly $6,000.
The Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks organization is trying to raise $60,000 to help fund the salaries of 45 seasonal lifeguards to protect and patrol 10 state beaches in the county, including Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz and Palm Beach in Watsonville.
The organization raised $5,924 at Monday night’s “Save Our Lifeguards” bash at Twin Lakes State Beach and from online donations today, bringing the campaign fundraising total to $45,000 so far, executive director Bonny Hawley said.
The goal initially was to raise the money by Wednesday, but, “We’re going to keep going until we get there,” Hawley said.
The State Parks Seasonal Lifeguard program was discontinued last year as a result of state budget cuts, according to the organization.
Hawley said lifeguards are essential because they are first responders in medical emergencies, teach youth about water safety, and perform rescues in the ocean, rivers, streams and lakes throughout Santa Cruz County.
Last year, state lifeguards rescued 151 people, provided 436 people with medical attention, educated 5,266 people, and made 95,632 safety contacts that saved lives and prevented injuries, according to the organization.
“Hopefully this effort is a bridge for a future where we don’t have to do fundraising for essential public safety services,” Hawley said.
The group, in conjunction with a coalition of organizations, helped qualify a state parks initiative on the November ballot that would provide funding for such services, Hawley said. The “State Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust Fund Act” will ask voters to consider an $18 vehicle license fee in exchange for free year-round access to state beaches and parks.
The organization is continuing to accept donations for its “Save Our Lifeguards” campaign at www.thatsmypark.org.