The Newport Beach Ocean Lifeguard Association (NBOLA)
is dedicated to supporting the ocean lifeguards who protect our community. Our mission is to promote the personal and professional growth of our members through scholarships, continuing education, training, and structured mentorship.
NBOLA also works to preserve the deep camaraderie that defines our profession. We connect alumni, welcome new guards into a proud tradition, and honor a legacy built on service, excellence, and community.
Through programs, events, and strategic initiatives, the NBOLA invests in the people who keep Newport Beach safe, strengthening the bond between past, present, and future generations of ocean lifeguards.
NBOLA Member Support Initiatives
1. Professional Development Scholarships
Our goal is to offer financial support for lifeguards pursuing advanced training and education, especially those working toward EMT and paramedic certification. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of essential career development and prepare our members for critical roles in public safety, healthcare, and emergency response. By investing in their future, we’re building a stronger and more resilient workforce that serves both the beach and the broader community.
2. Alumni Mentorship Program
The NBOLA will connect current lifeguards with alumni, business professionals, and civic leaders to foster personal growth, leadership skills, and career readiness. This structured mentorship initiative encourages goal-setting, strengthens professional networks, and helps guards prepare for life beyond the tower—whether they continue in public safety or transition into new fields. Our mentors include former guards who now serve in fire departments, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.
3. Emergency Financial Assistance Fund
Lifeguards, like many seasonal workers, sometimes face unexpected challenges, from medical emergencies to family crises or housing instability. NBOLA maintains a confidential emergency fund that offers short-term financial relief to active guards in times of hardship. This safety net ensures that our members are supported not just while on duty, but in their moments of greatest need.
4. Essential Gear Support
While the city provides basic equipment, lifeguards often purchase additional mission-critical items out of pocket, such as wetsuits, high-quality sun protection, and additional protective gear. NBOLA will raise funds to help offset these personal expenses, ensuring every lifeguard has access to the gear they need to perform at their best and stay safe in demanding conditions.