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Local nonprofit seeks to install life rings on Half Moon Bay beaches after recent drownings
Summary
Arunya Foundation director Tarun Pruthi asked the Half Moon Bay City Council for help placing life‑saving ring stations on city beaches and offered to prepare a proposal mapping up to 10 locations. Council members expressed support and suggested coordination with the Coastal Commission and local elected officials.
Tarun Pruthi, director of the Arunya Foundation, told the Half Moon Bay City Council that his group wants to expand life‑ring stations along the San Mateo County coast after multiple recent drownings.
The request came during the council's proclamations and presentations section. “Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, and over 40 percent of drowning deaths occur in natural water settings,” Pruthi said, and described the foundation's three‑part approach to reduce deaths: equip, educate and inform. He said the foundation has installed about 25 ring stations along the Northern California coastline and seeks permission to add similar stations on Half Moon Bay city beaches.
Why it matters: Council members said visible equipment and public education can reduce rescue needs and save lives. The foundation also said it will prepare a consultant study recommending up to 10 proposed ring locations on city‑owned beaches and return with that proposal for formal review.
Council members urged the group to coordinate permitting and outreach. Vice Mayor Redick encouraged the foundation to work with the city manager and the Coastal Commission, noting that Coastal Commission permits can be difficult to navigate. Mayor Robert Brownstone and Council Member Penrose voiced support for bringing a defined proposal back to the council.
Pruthi also announced the foundation's plans to hold a walk‑a‑thon in the Half Moon Bay area in September and said the group would participate in San Mateo County Harbor District's ocean safety day in May. He asked the council to consider advocating for state laws or guidance to require or facilitate water‑safety equipment on beaches.
The presentation did not include a council vote. Staff and council members directed the presenter to return with a location study and to coordinate with city staff and regional officials on permitting and placement of equipment.
Pruthi closed by thanking the council and offering to supply stations at no upfront cost to the city if locations and permits are approved.
