Good questions
FAQ
Is DMLA the same thing as the Del Mar lifeguards?
No — and it's a distinction we care about. The lifeguards who watch Del Mar's beaches are professionals employed by the City of Del Mar. The Del Mar Lifeguard Association (DMLA) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports them: we fund equipment, scholarships, education, and community events. Think of us as the boosters, not the guards.
Where does my donation actually go?
Four places: rescue and safety equipment beyond what the city budget covers, scholarships for Del Mar lifeguards, beach and ocean safety education, and community events like the Polar Plunge and the Fish Fry Surf Contest.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Del Mar Lifeguard Association Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN 26-2233566.
Please consult your tax adviser about your individual situation.
If you need a donation receipt, email thedelmarlifeguardassociation@gmail.com with your donation date and amount so DMLA can locate the payment and arrange your receipt. Receipts are handled manually.
How do I donate, and how do I know I'm paying the right account?
We accept donations through Venmo at @DMLA1. Before you send, verify you're looking at the real account: the name should read "Del Mar Lifeguard Association" and the last four digits of the associated phone number are 3951. Add a note like "DMLA donation" with your payment. If anything looks off, don't send — reach out to us first.
Can I donate equipment instead of money?
Please email thedelmarlifeguardassociation@gmail.com with a description of the equipment you have in mind so DMLA can discuss it with you.
How do I become a Del Mar lifeguard?
Lifeguards are hired by the City of Del Mar, not by DMLA. Hiring, tryouts, and qualifications all run through the city's Community Services department — check the City of Del Mar's website for current openings and requirements.
Do you run the Junior Lifeguards program?
No — Junior Lifeguards is a City of Del Mar program. Contact the city's Community Services department for sessions and sign-ups.
My business would like to support DMLA. How does that work?
We'd love to talk. Local businesses support DMLA through sponsorships and event partnerships. Send us a message through the contact page with "Sponsorship" as the subject and we'll follow up.
I see an emergency at the beach. Should I contact DMLA?
No. If you see an emergency, call 911 immediately. DMLA is a nonprofit support organization — we are not an emergency contact, and this website is not monitored in real time. For anything urgent at the beach, call 911 or flag down an on-duty lifeguard.
How do I get in touch?
Use the contact page on this site, email thedelmarlifeguardassociation@gmail.com, call (858) 755-1556, or find us on Instagram at @delmarlifeguardassociation. We're volunteers, so give us a little time to get back to you.