High School Surfers Rally Santa Monica Leaders to Safeguard Beach and Ocean Health

Spearheaded by Pacifica Christian High School's SurfersWhoServe, dozens of students will gather July 29 to advocate for continued leadership in ocean safety and environmental care following reports of elevated bacteria.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Student surfers from Pacifica Christian High School's surf team, through their youth-led initiative SurfersWhoServe supported by The Coastal Alliance, will join with peers from schools across Los Angeles at Santa Monica City Hall on Tuesday, July 29, urging city leaders to protect and improve beach and ocean health.

Event Details:
4:30 PM – Rally & Press Conference outside Santa Monica City Hall (1685 Main St)
5:30 PM – Public Comment during City Council Meeting

More than two dozen students from Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and the South Bay will deliver science-based comments, visuals, and calls for action. Their goal: keep beach water safe, uphold Santa Monica's leadership in environmental protection, and collaborate with the city on future solutions.

"Our beaches are our backyard—and our classroom," says 17-year-old team co-captain Teal Greene. "We surf these waters daily. We know when something's wrong. We're asking city leaders to listen to the science and keep the ocean safe for everyone."

Their action comes after recent water tests by the LA County Department of Public Health revealed elevated bacteria levels in nine popular swim zones—despite no recent rainfall. Students hope their voices will shape the city's upcoming environmental policy discussion at the council meeting.

"Pacifica's surf team shows the next generation won't wait for change—they'll make it happen," says surf coach and AquaSurf founder Dylan Sohngen. "Santa Monica once led on coastal protection. Now it's time to lead again."

Students will present tangible ideas, including youth-led water monitoring and expanded storm drain awareness, and offer to collaborate on local projects.

"Young people have a powerful voice when given tools and space to lead," says Ashley Oelsen, Executive Director of The Coastal Alliance. "These students are not just surfers—they are scientists, advocates, and changemakers. We're proud to support their leadership."

Adds SurfersWhoServe founder Joe Holscher, "After the Palisades Fire, we understand what's at stake. We want a seat at the table to protect ocean health."

Why It Matters:

• Public Health: Clean water safeguards surfers, swimmers, and marine life.
• Environmental Justice: Students call for equitable investment in infrastructure across all beach communities.
• Civic Engagement: This effort shows how teens can lead on policy and service.
• Local Economy: Clean beaches protect tourism, recreation, and small businesses.

About SurfersWhoServe

Surfers Who Serve is the Pacifica Christian High School Surf Team's community service initiative. Blending competitive surfing with hands-on leadership, they protect coastlines, engage communities, and inspire action across Southern California.

The Coastal Alliance is a California-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of our beaches, oceans, and coastal communities. Through scientific research, community education, policy advocacy, and youth engagement, the Alliance works to address urgent environmental challenges—from pollution and climate resilience to wildfire response and coastal access. By uniting residents, surfers, scientists, and students, The Coastal Alliance champions science-driven, community-first solutions to safeguard our coast for current and future generations.

Coastal Alliance Contact:
Ashley Oelsen
Executive Director, The Coastal Alliance
[email protected] | 310-612-3929

Parent Contact:
Kelly Holscher
Team Coordinator, Pacifica Christian High School Surf Team
[email protected] | 310-283-8100

SOURCE The Coastal Alliance