

SDLA
Association Objectives
* To provide beach and water related public safety education to the general public through presentations to school children and adults, public service advertising, written material and in other ways as may be deemed appropriate.
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* To enhance the education of lifeguards, marine safety officers and other public safety personnel in beach and water safety through training seminars, training materials and in other ways as may be deemed appropriate.
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* To encourage professional lifesavers to learn and improve their skills by providing scholarships, issuing awards, sponsoring competitions, and generally promoting excellence.
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* To support and encourage general efforts or individual acts of members of the public which are intended to result in or which result in improvements in public safety, particularly as it relates to the coastal or aquatic environment.
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* To provide charitable support to volunteer lifesaving groups within and outside the State of California.
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* To support programs intended to promote public safety in the coastal or aquatic environment.
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* To support activities of the United States Lifesaving Association.
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The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) was born in 1964 in Southern California. Having an integral part in the conception of the USLA were members of the San Diego Lifeguard Service. These members soon thereafter created the local chapter, SDLA (San Diego Lifesaving Association) under the regional chapter CSLSA (California Surf Lifesaving Association), organizing and operating as a non-profit, although neither incorporated, nor formally recognized as a non-profit by the Internal Revenue Service. It was not until July 28th, 1986 that the IRS granted non-profit recognition to the San Diego Lifesaving Association. Many years later, the SDLA modified it bylaws to become a “true member organization”, operating in a manner consistent with USLA bylaws. With most members being current employees of the San Diego Lifeguard Service, lifeguards who choose to be members would have a member organization to which directors and officers are elected in a democratic fashion.
The SDLA went through a period of member disinterest and dormancy, albeit the directors were able to keep its books and accounts up to date and in good standing.
Currently the SDLA has undergone a facelift and a rejuvenation of membership within the San Diego Lifeguard Service. The SDLA’s standing with the USLA and the CSLSA as a San Diego Chapter is excellent.
The San Diego Lifesaving Association is growing in membership, community support, and volunteer programs every day.
We thank you for your support!

