Become a Beach Guardian

Join Surfrider Santa Cruz Chapter's Beach Guardian program and help keep our coastlines clean—From Four Mile Beach to Sunset Beach, we need your help!

Take Action: Become a Beach Guardian and Help Protect Santa Cruz’s Shores

Our beaches are the heart of Santa Cruz County. Join the Beach Guardian program to help keep our shores clean and healthy!

As a Beach Guardian, you’ll monitor a local beach, organize cleanups, report pollution, and participate in efforts to protect our oceans and coastlines. It’s a fun and impactful way to make a difference and preserve the beauty of our beaches for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s protect what we love—one beach at a time!

What you can expect:

Monitor Coastal Health: Visit your beach regularly to track debris, report pollution, and identify any environmental concerns such as blocked beach access, erosion or wildlife impacts.

Host Annual Cleanups: Organize and participate in at least two beach cleanup per year (more if you can). Surfrider will provide necessary training and supplies like bags, gloves, and grabbers.

Engage with the Community: Spread the word about Surfrider and get neighbors, friends, and family involved to strengthen our efforts.

Sample Water with the Blue Water Task Force (Optional): Help monitor water health by taking regular samples to ensure safe water for all.

Advocate for Coastal Policies (Optional): Stay informed on coastal issues and advocate for policies that protect beaches and access.

Where we need help:

Natural Bridges State Beach: A key spot for wildlife and tourists, this beach is vulnerable to coastal erosion and other environmental threats.

West Cliff Drive & Beaches: One of our most scenic and visited spots in Santa Cruz for the famous surf breaks and pedestrian pathway, West Cliff often experiences littering and erosion issues.

Cowell and Main Beach: Two popular beaches in front of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Wharf, Main Beach and Cowell Beach, are often crowded and impacted by waste.

Seabright Beach: A smaller beach located between the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Boardwalk, Seabright Beach often suffers from pollution.

Pleasure Point Drive & Beaches: Pleasure Point Drive and Beach is an iconic location for the local surfing community, but faces ongoing challenges with erosion and pollution.

Capitola Beach: A favorite tourist destination, Capitola Beach faces challenges from high foot traffic, occasional pollution, and beach erosion.

Rio Del Mar Beach: A beautiful, less-crowded beach located in Aptos, Rio Del Mar still faces challenges with ocean debris and erosion.

Is your favorite beach not listed, contact us to adopt it today!

Become a Beach Guardian

Take Action: Become a Beach Guardian and Help Protect Santa Cruz’s Shores

When you become a beach guardian, you are protecting our precious Santa Cruz beaches, waves, and coastlines.

What you can expect:

Where we need help:

How to get involved:

Frequently Asked Questions