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:

https://youtu.be/lK5ASWlsfZw

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682

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https://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Debbie Friedman’s Story:

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

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

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

#TheLifeguardProjectPodcast #BenCarlsonFoundation #LifeguardPodcast

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

This mini session provides a brief introduction to the California Water Safety Strategy and focuses on a panel discussion from the CA Water Safety Summit in 2025 about the importance of media in transferring ideas of public safety and drowning prevention. We are all responsible in elevating the standard of lifeguard and safety messaging as we share media and raise the bar in how we transfer ideas and represent ourselves.

Thanks for listening!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

Zoe Chait is a California State Parks Lifeguard working in Half Moon Bay, CA. Zoe started as a junior lifeguard and has progressed to lifeguarding professionally along with traveling the world chasing waves and competing. At 18 years old and just a few years of Lifeguard experience under her belt she’s able to offer a very unique perspective on life. Zoe has faced many unique challenges working in Half Moon Bay which is characterized by approximately 50 miles of rocky coastline, dangerous waves and beaches, with minimal resources. It is also home to Mavericks, which happens to be her home surf break. Zoe is currently chasing a professional surfing career in big waves and (as she refers to it) "small waves too".

Zoe and I discuss her unique perspective from these two worlds, how they are interconnected, and what she thinks about lifeguarding. Zoe also had the opportunity to perform unique off-duty rescues in her hometown which showcase a tight knit community and reflect a global sense of helping others as a lifeguard.

Thank you as always for listening!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

Welcome to the first "Expression Session" a Lifeguard Project mini podcast "session" designed for bite sized lifeguard topics and interesting information to fit into your day. We will be featuring all sorts of lifeguard topics and ideas as well as micro-learnings, and much more! Have an idea? Reach out!

Topic: Tips on applying for The Ben Carlson Scholarship.

This scholarship is for 3 open water lifeguards who will each be awarded $20,000 to help pay for college! Any lifeguard agency in the world is eligible.

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/scholarship

Deadline to apply Feb 1, 2025!

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have past or present participation in a junior lifeguard program or past or present employment as an open water lifeguard (river, lake, ocean). Pool lifeguarding and/or certification are not considered. 
• In order to apply, candidates need to attend a four-year post-secondary school during the 2025/2026 academic year as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing their first undergraduate degree. This scholarship will not be awarded to students attending community college or trade schools, or for graduate education. Students will be required to submit proof of admission, and registration or a course schedule that shows adequate units enrolled prior to disbursement of funds. 
• Applicants must be a current high school senior or undergraduate student. Students continuing or applying to graduate schools will not be considered. 
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong work ethic, independence, academic rigor and promise, athleticism, and service to the community. 
• High School students must have a minimum unweighted 3.2 GPA, and undergraduate students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be taking a full-time academic course load. Transcripts will be required for all scholarship finalists. Please report accurately on your application. 

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

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

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

Alex began his lifeguarding career after playing water polo at the University of the Pacific. Inspired by his brother, a California Parks lifeguard in Santa Cruz, Alex started working as a lifeguard in Santa Cruz in 2013. He quickly became immersed in the ocean community as a lifeguard, surfer, and body surfer, eventually rising to a supervisor role.

In March 2017, Alex transferred to North County San Diego. On August 17, 2017, while body surfing during a physical training break, he struck a sandbar and was knocked unconscious. When he regained consciousness, Alex experienced one of the most profound moments of his life—an intimate firsthand perspective of drowning, being rescued by bystanders, and ultimately, by his fellow lifeguards.

After being treated for a severe spinal injury, Alex embarked on a long and challenging recovery. He learned to walk again and has since made remarkable strides both personally and professionally. Today, Alex continues to inspire others with his story of resilience, recovery, and the powerful lessons he's learned about life, death, and the importance of training for emergencies.

Join us as Alex shares his incredible journey and the profound impact his rescuers had on his recovery. This is a powerful story of courage, determination, and the life-saving importance of being prepared to act when a rescue is needed.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

Chief Scott Haberle serves as the Fire Chief for the City of Huntington Beach and has a strong track record of effective citywide collaboration resulting in enhanced emergency service delivery and leadership development. His 32-year fire service career has given him a wide variety of experience.

Today, Chief Haberle discusses his take on leadership throughout EMS, Fire, and how it all fits into lifeguarding. Frankly speaking this conversation can benefit anyone, in any rank, of any field, as Chief Haberle expands the subject of leadership which can be applied throughout all service based professions.

What I find to be unique about Chief Haberle is that he has worked his way through the ranks as Firefighter, Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator, Paramedic, Fire Captain, Fire Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Chief for the city of Monterey Park. He even put his time in as a pool lifeguard. Now he is ultimately responsible for the Huntington Beach Marine Safety Division as an integral part of the Fire Department.

He holds an associate degree from Rio Hondo College; a bachelor’s degree from California State University Long Beach; a master’s degree in public administration from University of La Verne; and the Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Thank you for listening!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

This episode recounts a firsthand point of view from David Villareal, who was rescued by the Newport Beach Lifeguard's after being sucked out by a strong rip current. The rescue happened on July 6, 2024, the 10 year anniversary of the death of Ben Carlson, a Newport Beach Lifeguard who died in the line of duty while making a rescue.

July 6, 2024 brought a heat wave with large swell and massive beach crowds to Newport Beach, CA. David was caught rip current, struggling to stay afloat, when the quick actions of lifeguards on the Sea Watch Rescue Vessel were able to reach him and bring him on board to safety. David had inhaled water and was eventually checked out by paramedics on the beach for a potential nonfatal, drowning episode.

David was gracious enough to share this intimate experience and speaks about the perspective he had with his interaction with the Lifeguards and their professionalism during this life changing moment.

This episode is critical for anyone who wants to learn about the often lost perspective of a rescue, the person who was saved. Many people will be able to learn and resinate with the simple actions and unsuspecting moments which David shares with us.

A big shoutout to the Newport Beach Lifeguards, Brandon Lagrotta, James Lewis, and Brendan Rafferty who performed this rescue and were able to objectively save David's life.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

This conversation represents over 100 years of lifeguarding experience in a single room discussing virtually every aspect of lifeguarding. Mike Silvestri (Mestri) and Mike Brousard (Bruiser) are career lifeguards who began lifeguarding in California in the 1970's. They have been intimately involved in the profession and bring a whole new meaning to what it means to be "Lifeguards for Life".

"The Mikes" discuss everything from the early days of lifeguarding, how the job has changed, rescues, junior lifeguards, the first female lifeguards, and some of their best and worst days at work. This conversation is highly inspirational from two soulful humans who share their incredible perspective doing something that they truly loved. It will be hard to argue anything other than the fact that lifeguarding is the best job in the world once you have listened to this conversation!

Mike Silvestri is a CA State Lifeguard who began his career in 1971 in San Diego, CA. He served as a State Parks Peace Officer Lifeguard from 1981 to 2007 when he "retired" but currently remains involved in the State Parks Lifeguard Training Academy as a retired annuitant. Mike Silvestri has been involved in lifeguard training for over 45 years, training a conservative estimate of 5,000 guards throughout his career.

Mike Brousard began lifeguarding in 1970 and served as a California State Parks Peace Officer from 1977. In 1989 Mike Brousard became a rescue boat operator at Huntington State Beach and finished his career in San Clemente serving as Chief Lifeguard. Mike Brousard was also heavily involved in the CA State Parks Lifeguard Training Academy and taught along with Mike Silvestri for several decades. Mike Brousard has written two books about lifeguarding titled "Warm Winds and Following Seas" and "Neptune Wept" which showcase the profession through incredible storytelling. You can find the books for sale on amazon at the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mike-Brousard/author/B07NKV99PB?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

This podcast was recorded at Chobo Studios!

https://chobo.co/studios

Thank you for listening!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

This conversation represents over 100 years of lifeguarding experience in a single room discussing virtually every aspect of lifeguarding. Mike Silvestri (Mestri) and Mike Brousard (Bruiser) are career lifeguards who began lifeguarding in California in the 1970's. They have been intimately involved in the profession and bring a whole new meaning to what it means to be "Lifeguards for Life".

"The Mikes" discuss everything from the early days of lifeguarding, how the job has changed, rescues, junior lifeguards, the first female lifeguards, and some of their best and worst days at work. This conversation is highly inspirational from two soulful humans who share their incredible perspective doing something that they truly loved. It will be hard to argue anything other than the fact that lifeguarding is the best job in the world once you have listened to this conversation!

Mike Silvestri is a CA State Lifeguard who began his career in 1971 in San Diego, CA. He served as a State Parks Peace Officer Lifeguard from 1981 to 2007 when he "retired" but currently remains involved in the State Parks Lifeguard Training Academy as a retired annuitant. Mike Silvestri has been involved in lifeguard training for over 45 years, training a conservative estimate of 5,000 guards throughout his career.

Mike Brousard began lifeguarding in 1970 and served as a California State Parks Peace Officer from 1977. In 1989 Mike Brousard became a rescue boat operator at Huntington State Beach and finished his career in San Clemente serving as Chief Lifeguard. Mike Brousard was also heavily involved in the CA State Parks Lifeguard Training Academy and taught along with Mike Silvestri for several decades. Mike Brousard has written two books about lifeguarding titled "Warm Winds and Following Seas" and "Neptune Wept" which showcase the profession through incredible storytelling. You can find the books for sale on amazon at the link below:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mike-Brousard/author/B07NKV99PB?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

This podcast was recorded at Chobo Studios!

https://chobo.co/studios

Thank you for listening!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations