LAGUNA BEACH, CA — In surfing, a "grom" is a kid who is always in the water. In Laguna Beach, the Aquagroms are a group that loves to surf, snorkel, boogie board, swim, or just chill on the sand with friends, plus, they gather annually to fundraise for causes important to the community.
On Aug. 1, over 30 "groms" gathered to swim from Victoria Beach to Main Beach, showing their opposition to new offshore oil drilling along the California Coast, as shared by Michaela Coats, spokesperson for the Surfrider Foundation.
"In addition to the physical challenge, these groms were joined by 75 community members who formed a 'line in the sand,' joining hands and saying 'NO' to offshore drilling," Coats said.
The Aquagrom annual fundraiser raised $18,000 for the Surfrider Foundation to support its efforts to protect coasts across the nation. It was organized by kids passionate about protecting our oceans because, according to them, "the beach makes everything better."
The Aquagrom website details their journey from being kids who love extreme sports such as surfing, swimming, and skimboarding to kids of action. According to founding member Alia Marriner, 14, of Laguna Beach, "this has always been my happy place. That's why I started the Aquagrom."
The group decided that 2026 was the year to join the fight against offshore drilling and chose this cause because it is an imminent threat to the California coastline.
"Every step helps protect the ocean we love," Alia said in her post.
According to Coats and the Surfrider Foundation, she is entirely correct.
"New offshore drilling leases would lock the state into decades of pollution, inevitable oil spills, all while threatening our coastal recreation, tourism and fishing industries," Coates said.
During the event, they swam, climbed and walked a 3.5-mile stretch of coastline. They were supported also by the city's lifeguards, with a boat escort to ensure safety.
"All of us kids have grown up by the ocean, and it has brought us all so much happiness. So, we want to pay the ocean back and do all we can to protect it!"
Founded in 2023, they've raised over $40,000 toward ocean conservation. At the annual fundraiser, they've raised money towards Get Inspired, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and this year, the Surfrider Foundation.
To donate to their cause, visit: gofundme.com/f/aquagrom-2026.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Laguna Beach Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.