Imperial Beach, a small coastal city in California, is struggling with persistent sewage pollution from Tijuana, which has forced the closure of its beaches. The pollution has had a significant impact on local camps and lifeguard programs, which have had to find alternative locations for their activities.

Impact on Local Camps

YMCA Camp Surf, a popular summer camp in Imperial Beach, has been affected by the beach closures. The camp has had to bus its campers to other beaches in the area, such as Mission Beach, for surfing and swimming activities. According to Jamie Cosson, executive director of overnight camps for YMCA of San Diego, the beach closures have hurt the camp’s relationship with the community.

The camp’s program director, Payton Schoonmaker, noted that the beach was once filled with campers surfing, boogie boarding, and building sand castles. However, due to the pollution, the beach is now empty, and the camp has had to adapt its activities. The camp will serve about 700 overnight campers this summer, down from 1,200 in the past.

Junior Lifeguard Program Affected

The Imperial Beach junior lifeguard program has also been impacted by the beach closures. The program has had to charter a school bus to drive junior lifeguards to other beaches in the area. According to Jason Lindquist, head lifeguard for Imperial Beach, the program has had to piece together a schedule with visits to virtually every other beachfront city in San Diego County.

The pollution has not only affected the local economy but also the community’s way of life. Imperial Beach residents have expressed concerns about the impact of the pollution on their health and the environment. The city’s mayor, Mitch McKay, has stated that the junior lifeguard program plays a vital role in preparing local youth to become capable ocean life-savers and community leaders.

Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.