When the City of Del Mar did not have the capital funds to replace its dilapidated and deteriorating Lifeguard Headquarters, Del Mar looked to a unique partner to finance the construction of a new Beach Safety Center- the community. The City entered into a financing agreement with a group of residents who formed a non-profit organization, the Friends of the Powerhouse, to replace the inadequate existing structure and ensure effective lifeguard protection and improved access to the beach for residents and the millions of visitors to the beaches of Del Mar.

The project included the replacement of an existing 1,500-square-foot building with a new two-story 2,800-square-foot Beach Safety Center and seawall. The new state-of-the-art beach safety facility has a dedicated first-aid room, equipped with multiple first aid stations for the treatment of minor injuries, a triage area to treat emergencies, and multiple sinks for treating sting rays. Additionally the first-floor of the building includes a locker room, ADA compliant showers, a large garage to accommodate the lifeguard truck, boat, and ATV, and six ADA accessible public restrooms. The second-floor of the building contains an administrative space for multiple personnel to monitor activities and provide required reports; as well as an observation deck with a slide pole for quick beach access. Finally, the dispatch space, considered the heart of the lifeguard facility, contains state-of-the-art equipment such as infrared radars that detect heat to help identify people and boats at night, several high-end viewing telescopes, and advanced radio communications.

In addition to the lifeguard building, the project also included covering an existing storm drain channel located adjacent to the building with a new culvert, and a boardwalk above it, to improve drainage and create an enhanced access walkway to the beach. The new beach safety center will ensure effective lifeguard protection and improved access to the beach for residents and the millions of visitors to the beaches of Del Mar.

Electrical Engineering, Telecommunication Design, Lighting Design