Debbie was one of the first women to step into a lifeguard tower along the Camp Pendleton coast in 1978 and became the first female permanent Peace Officer Lifeguard with California State Parks.

Debbie has served as a leader, a mentor, an international lifeguard, and a training instructor. But lifeguarding wasn't just a job for her, Debbie's husband and two kids also followed in her footsteps. Guarding the beaches along many spots in the California coastline. Now, Debbie is writing a book to shine a light on the overlooked stories of the early women lifeguards, or as we learn in this episode, lifeguards. Debbie and I discuss a wide variety of concepts regarding early lessons learned, stereotypes, and how it all ties back to the common experience amongst lifeguards in general, regardless of gender.

Although we can't share about the book she's writing yet, I can say that I did get to listen to Debbie read the first chapter, which really set the stage for an exciting journey when we do get to reveal it sometime in the future. So stay tuned and enjoy the conversation, and thanks as always for supporting the Lifeguard Project.

00:00 Introduction to Debbie Friedman

02:06 Debbie's Early Life and Swimming Journey

04:49 First Encounters with Lifeguarding

07:39 Challenges and Stereotypes in Lifeguarding

12:09 Gender and Language in Lifeguarding

17:49 Debbie's Lifeguard Tryout Experience

19:46 The First Women Lifeguards

22:51 Early Challenges and Support Systems

42:42 Proving Strength and Capability

47:57 Stereotypes in Lifeguarding

50:37 The Story of Janet Wardell

54:44 Contrasting Experiences: Janet and Carlin

58:30 The Importance of Mentorship

01:04:23 Personal Reflections and Family Legacy

01:17:18 The Last Rescue and Lifeguard Strength

01:26:25 Lifeguarding Lessons and Career Reflections

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube Here:

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Debbie Friedman’s Story:

https://thelifeguardproject.org/stories/women-in-lifeguarding

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/

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