Editor’s Note: Updates to this story will be provided when available.
A 15-year lifeguard, surfer, and all around “nice guy”, Ben Carlson gave his life to save another in Newport Beach Sunday. Photo: Corona Del Mar Today
On Sunday, July 6, the sun-drenched stretches of Newport Beach in Southern California saw an expected influx of beach-goers enjoying the three day holiday weekend. However, the large crowds, in conjunction with prevailing surf in the six to eight foot range — with the occasional 10 to 12 foot set — made the day a hectic and chaotic maelstrom for lifeguards, with nearly nearly 200 rescues attempted over the course of the day. One ill-fated attempt saw veteran lifeguard Ben Carlson, 32, give his life to save another.
According to a statement given by Newport Beach Fire Chief Scott Poster, Carlson entered the water around 5 p.m., close to 16th Street, in response to a man in distress; the two were quickly hit by a 10 to 12 foot wave. While the man being rescued made it safely to shore, Carlson was nowhere to be found. Up to 25 lifeguards searched the turbulent waters, along with air support and numerous others along the shoreline, but it wasn’t until three hours later that the lifeguard’s body was found. After being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead. Certain nuances of the story remain unknown, including the identity of the rescued man and details only he could provide about what occurred when the two were struck by the breaking wave.
An outpouring of emotion has overcome many members of the community including friends, acquaintances, and fellow lifeguards. Poster added to his remarks that “Ben was a well-respected individual, always a nice guy.. [and] it’s just an utter tragedy to lose a man of that caliber in the water today.” He is first lifeguard in Newport Beach to be lost in the line of duty in 100 years.
Addressing the heroism of Ben’s actions, as well as the toll it has taken on the rest of the community, Chief Poster mentioned that there’s a brotherhood that’s “difficult to describe,” and that Carlson “will be given all the honor and respect that comes with losing a member of that brotherhood.”
