Ben Carlson Memorial Going Up
Photo courtesy of Newport Beach Lifeguard Department, Newport Beach, California. Ben Carlson, the 32-year-old Newport Beach [California] lifeguard, surfer and swimmer who gave his life in trying to rescue others, passed away in July 2014 when a huge set closed out on him.
Carlson’s life and legacy were remembered in a paddle out in Newport Beach that attracted more than 2,500 people in the water and another estimated 5,000 people on land. “He would be the one in the water after someone in trouble,” recalls Newport Beach Fire Chief Scott Poster. “He saw that swimmer in trouble. [He had] no reservations, fins on, and [safety] buoy over his shoulder.”
In addition to the paddle-out, Carlson will be remembered in a number of ways.
In March 2015, the lifeguard headquarters will be re-dedicated in Carlson’s name. Additionally, a scholarship has been created to raise funds for student lifeguards and to support organizations that aid underprivileged children. And a nearly 3-meter bronze statue of Carlson will be erected in July 2015 at the Balboa Pier about a mile where he drowned.
Source: Orange County Register.
Copyright © 2014 by World Open Water Swimming Association
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.
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