Ocean Park Inn and Pacific Beach Town Council Kick Off 3rd Annual Fundraiser to Raise $20,000 for Ocean Safety and Awareness

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The fundraiser will launch June 8 – July 4, with Ocean Park Inn and other local partners matching every donation dollar-for-dollar throughout the campaign

PBTC Lifeguard Fundraiser graphic

Pacific Beach, CA – June 8, 2025Ocean Park Inn has partnered with the Pacific Beach Town Council (PBTC) to announce their 3rd annual fundraiser dedicated to improving the Pacific Beach area. This year’s focus is on beach safety through the installation of new and upgraded information and rip current warning signs. These critical signs will alert beachgoers to dangerous currents, helping to prevent accidents, save lives and assist the lifeguards.

The fundraiser will officially launch on World Oceans Day – Sunday, June 8, 2025, and run through Friday, July 4, 2025, with a goal of raising $20,000. As part of their ongoing commitment to ocean awareness and community engagement, Ocean Park Inn will be matching every donation dollar-for-dollar throughout the campaign. Last year’s campaign raised approximately $14,000, directly supporting improvements throughout Pacific Beach. This year’s $20,000 goal reflects the increasing need for more advanced safety measures along the shoreline.

“As a beachfront property, Ocean Park Inn sees the ocean’s beauty and its potential dangers every day,” said Elvin Lai, owner of Ocean Park Inn. “We’re proud to support a project that directly benefits the safety of our community and the guests and locals who visit Pacific Beach year-round.” Charlie Nieto, President of Pacific Beach Town Council added, “These rip current signs are something our local lifeguards specifically requested, and that says everything. Their insight drives our actions. With Ocean Park Inn’s partnership and community support, we’re confident we can make our beach
safer for everyone this summer.”

During the busy summer months, Pacific Beach attracts tourists from around the world – many of whom are unfamiliar with ocean safety. That’s where well-placed, easy-to-understand signage plays a crucial role. The new rip current safety signs will be installed in strategic, high-traffic areas identified by San Diego lifeguards to ensure maximum visibility and educational impact. Clear warnings, simple graphics, and multilingual messaging are all elements being considered to reach as many people as possible.

Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. They typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers. The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) reports that rip currents account for over 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. It’s also noted that there are over 100 deaths each year in the U.S. attributed to rip currents.

This initiative is just one part of both Ocean Park Inn and PBTC’s broader commitment to community education, beach stewardship, and public safety. Over the past several years, both organizations have collaborated on projects ranging from beach cleanups and sustainability events to local fundraisers and holiday activations.

The campaign will culminate in a community celebration on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, where a ceremonial check will be presented to the City of San Diego Lifeguard Division in honor of their continued service and dedication.

How to Get Involved:
Donations can be made online at PBTC’s fundraising platform. Every dollar counts – and every dollar will be doubled thanks to Ocean Park Inn’s matching commitment. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor who loves Pacific Beach, this is a meaningful way to give back.

For more information about Ocean Park Inn, visit https://oceanparkinn.com/

For more information about Pacific Beach Town Council, visit https://www.pbtowncouncil.org/

About Ocean Park Inn
Located at the ocean’s edge in the heart of Pacific Beach, waves of happiness are just a few steps away. Locally and family-owned since 1967, the Ocean Park Inn is a storied San Diego hotel. Completely remodeled interiors paired with a casual beach vibe offer guests an immersive Southern California experience, whether for couples, families or business-leisure travelers. Guest rooms and suites are equipped with private patios and balconies, offering stunning beachfront views of San Diego’s coastline. Amenities include direct access to San Diego’s pristine beaches, complimentary hot breakfast, a heated pool and spa complete with sunset views, a selection of beach equipment rentals available on property, ample gated parking, 24/7 concierge service and so much more. Ocean Park Inn is located at 710 Grand Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109. For more information, please visit www.oceanparkinn.com or follow @oceanparkinnsd on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

About Pacific Beach Town Council
This volunteer-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to the betterment of Pacific Beach. PBTC was founded by community activists in 1951. The Town Council’s membership includes hundreds of individuals, families and businesses in the close-knit, hard-working, hard-playing area of Pacific Beach. PBTC is very involved with current issues that affect our community. We work closely with the San Diego City Council and the San Diego Police Department and other county, state and federal agencies to ensure we receive current information and that our members’ views are heard.

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