Ed Vodrazka (Eddie V) is a "lifeguard for life" with an extraordinary 47-year career. Born to immigrant parents in Canada, he became an ocean lifeguard in 1976 and went on to make history as the first paid foreign lifeguard in New Zealand in 1979. Ed’s career spans iconic roles, from California State Lifeguard to a permanent Peace Officer Lifeguard at San Diego’s coast, to working with LA County on Malibu and Zuma beaches. Along the way, he became a Registered Nurse, specializing in cardiology, and taught lifeguard training across the state for over 25 years. He’s personally trained over 6,000 lifeguards and was honored as “Educator of the Year” by California EMSA in 2017.

A passionate advocate for lifeguard culture and education, Ed has written two influential books about stories and recollections throughout his career that unlock a unique glimpse into lifeguard culture, Stories from Sea Level and One Guard Out. His grassroots style and inspirational messaging have made him a sought-after speaker and trainer. Ed is also a family man, married to Jennifer, with two children, Jade, a State Lifeguard and nursing student, and Charlie, a high school student interested in film editing.

Today, Ed's stories take us through an unexpected start in lifeguarding, the golden years of lifeguarding in the 70's, talks about life and death, as well as some sneak peaks into his two books.

Thank you for listening!

Stories From Sea Level:

https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Sea-Level-Adventures-Californias/dp/B08ZBPK834

One Guard Out:

https://www.amazon.com/One-Guard-Out-Lifeguards-Californias/dp/B0B4SJH6DH

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