Baywatch Reboots, without Single-Use Plastics

The Commission approved a permit for filming a new Baywatch series at Venice Beach from March through July 2026, with comprehensive conditions for the protection of biological and cultural resources, as well as for minimizing impacts to public coastal access. The permit authorizes approximately 30 days of filming on weekdays only, along with construction of a film set at the historic Venice lifeguard headquarters. Surfrider submitted comments in support of Commission staff’s coastal resource protection and public access conditions, but requested stronger conditions around single-use plastic elimination on set and during production. 

Commission staff responded by substantially strengthening Special Condition 6, which initially prohibited single-use plastics on set, but now requires Baywatch to submit a comprehensive plastics report for Commission review and approval prior to filming. The report must identify all anticipated uses of single-use plastics and specify alternatives that will be used to eliminate plastic use across all sites. The enhanced condition also requires prominent signage on set and in both parking lots stating that single-use plastics are prohibited, advance notification to all cast and crew that plastics are banned, and encourages hiring a consultant or full-service provider specializing in reducing environmental impacts of entertainment productions.

This approval demonstrates the importance of public participation in the Commission's permitting process. Surfrider's advocacy led to meaningful improvements that will reduce plastic pollution from a major television production filming on our public beaches. The original condition simply prohibited single-use plastics without requiring any plan or verification—now Baywatch must submit an upfront plan showing how they'll eliminate plastics before production begins. 

This proactive approach is more effective than a potentially empty promise, especially in light of how difficult single-use plastics are to avoid without an organization-wide strategy with clear expectations for everyone. The Commission has required plastic pollution reduction measures fairly often for the past few years, but mostly as part of enforcement agreements. The strengthened Baywatch condition sets a strong precedent for future entertainment industry permits, events, and other CDP applications for development on or near the beach. 

The result shows how engaged advocacy organizations can work collaboratively with Commission staff to strengthen coastal protections and achieve better environmental outcomes. As a major television production being filmed in a highly visible location at Venice Beach, our hope is that thousands will see the prominent “no single-use plastics” signage and take inspiration from the Baywatch’s plastic-free production.