Late Newport lifeguard remembered in headquarters’ new name
When Ben Carlson became the first Newport Beach lifeguard in the department’s nearly 100-year history to die in the line of duty eight months ago, he became a symbol of the dangers lifeguards face in the water.
On Sunday, when the city lifeguard headquarters near the Newport Pier was newly dedicated in his name, Carlson’s family and fellow lifeguards said the building will stand in remembrance of his sacrifice and as a reminder that the ocean commands respect and caution.
“When people look at the name on this building, our hope is that they remember our son,” said Carlson’s father, Chris. “We also hope they think about the young people in towers, trucks and boats who are working hard to make Newport Beach into this amazing community — fun and, most of all, safe.”
Ben Carlson was manning a rescue boat July 6 when he received a call that a swimmer was stuck in larger-than-normal 6- to 8-foot surf. The 32-year-old dove off the boat and swam toward the man.
However, a large wave slammed them underwater before they could swim to safety. The swimmer made it to shore, but Carlson did not. After a three-hour search, his body was found near the pier.
His death prompted mourning throughout the community.
“It was amazing the way they drew close to us and really adopted us as one of their own,” Chris Carlson said.
“I don’t know how he would react to all of this. He wasn’t into the accolades.”
When Ben Carlson made the decision to dive off the rescue boat, he was doing what he loved, the dad said.
“Ben exemplified the qualities we want to instill in all of our lifeguards,” said Newport’s chief lifeguard, Rob Williams. “He was highly skilled and dedicated to his profession, always prepared to do his job, and he never hesitated to help wherever and whenever needed. He loved his job and it showed.”
Just before the dedication ceremony for the Benjamin M. Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters, 86 hopefuls swarmed the beach to try out for a spot on the Newport Beach lifeguard roster.
They competed in various endurance tests, each hoping to be one of the final 30 candidates.
It was the same test Ben Carlson completed 15 years ago.
Efforts continue to place a bronze memorial statue modeled after Carlson at the Newport Pier or Balboa Pier, said Jake Janz, Carlson’s brother-in-law.
The Ben Carlson Memorial Foundation is accepting donations at https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org, and this month, Costa Mesa-based surfwear brand Hurley hosted an art auction that raised about $15,000 for the cause. The statue is expected to cost $125,000.