Welcome to this episode of the Lifeguard Project Podcast, where I interview Newport Beach, lifeguard John Carpenter. John started as a YAP or Youth Employment Program in 1969 and has served with the Newport Beach Lifeguard Service for 50 years, from 1970 to 2020. During his time, he had certain accolades like training instructor for the Rookie Training Academy Lifeguard of the Year in 1985.

Cadet program coordinator, all American swimmer at Costa Mesa High School in 1971, Orange Coast College National Champion in water polo in 1972, and has been a biology teacher for 40 years as well as a water polo and swim coach at Estancia High School. John and I get into some really interesting facts about the inception of the lifeguard service in Newport Beach when I watched him do his centennial presentation of the a hundred year anniversary of the Newport Beach.

Lifeguards, John and I go through the entire history as well as some of his own personal stories. I hope you enjoy this episode, and thanks as always for listening. 

00:00 Introduction to John Carpenter and His Lifeguard Career

01:02 John's Early Lifeguard Experiences and Inspirations

02:58 The Humbling First Tryout

04:37 Overcoming Challenges and Proving Himself

11:08 The Evolution of the YEP Program

14:11 History of Newport Beach Lifeguard Service

25:14 Early Lifeguard Training and Equipment Innovations

33:57 Mechanization and Modernization of Lifeguard Services

43:13 Essential Gear for Jetty Rescues

43:59 Navigating Dangerous Rock Areas

44:27 Challenges of Lifeguarding Near Rocks

46:11 Modern Lifeguard Training and Techniques

47:19 Historical Lifeguard Innovations

49:32 Helicopter Rescues and Training

57:30 Early Lifeguarding Days and Equipment

01:03:56 Surfboard Licenses and Blackball Flags

01:12:31 Project Wipe Out and Preventative Measures

01:22:30 A Close Call and a Successful Rescue

01:22:56 The Importance of Beach Education

01:23:51 A Frightening Encounter with Negligent Parents

01:25:55 The Dangers of Sand Entrapment

01:27:00 A Lifeguard's Lifelong Vigilance

01:34:00 Reflecting on a Lifeguard Career

01:38:53 The Legacy of Lifeguarding

01:51:33 Advice for New Guards

Link To John's Powerpoint:

https://1drv.ms/p/c/2e013de102312bc0/ETs8_kjKnaZIvNHhGHmFv2IBpAcsXO7Z58nHd6be630Bqw?e=dsRP7b

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

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