The Lifeguard Project

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.

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!

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!

"Hey Lifeguard, are there sharks out there?!"

Dr. Chris Lowe, a distinguished figure in marine biology and the Director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach. He brings over 35 years of expertise in studying sharks, rays, and bony fishes, focusing on their behavior, physiology, and ecology. For the past 15 years, he and his students have delved into the world of juvenile white sharks along the southern California coast. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and educational tools, Dr. Lowe and his team collaborate closely with lifeguards and the public to demystify the lives of sharks and clarify the actual risks they may pose.

Dr. Lowe holds a BA in Marine Biology from Barrington College, an MS in Biology from CSULB, and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His groundbreaking research has been showcased in Discovery Channel, National Geographic, BBC, and PBS programs, solidifying his role as a leading authority on sharks.

Today, we delve into how Dr. Lowe's research on sharks and stingrays has not only fueled our understanding of marine biology but also directly contributed to public safety measures. We explore the evolving perception of sharks—from fear to reverence—and the critical role that data plays in bridging perceived risk with actual risk.

Dr. Lowe discusses the unexpected intersections of increasing shark activity and human presence in our oceans, shedding light on why sharks may or may not pose a threat to humans.

Lastly, we address an urgent matter: the CSU Long Beach Shark Lab, where Dr. Lowe's vital research takes place, faces challenges in securing funding. We urge our listeners to consider supporting the Shark Lab in any way they can to ensure continued research and conservation efforts.

Mark Cunningham is a retired North Shore Lifeguard of 30 years, spending a majority of his career guarding the infamous surf break "Pipeline" at 'Ehukai Beach Park, Hawaii. Mark is well known for his contributions and accomplishments in the world of bodysurfing. Mark and I discuss his early roots in becoming a lifeguard, bodysurfing, lifeguarding on the North Shore, and how it has all shaped his life.

Sharon McKeeman is a mother, military spouse, author, and visual and performing artist. She has lived in Southern California with her husband, three sons, and daughter for almost 15 years. As a mother who came to learn about the ocean later in life, Sharon shares her perspective on the healing and relentlessness of the ocean which developed from watching her sons participate in junior lifeguard programs. Sharon shares stories of her own loss which led to signing up her sons in Junior Lifeguards in order to create a safe environment for them to learn about the ocean.

Sharon speaks about the unforeseen importance of life lessons which were taught through junior lifeguard programs as they connect future generations to their greater community and forge good humans. We speak about what it is like to watch her kids go from junior lifeguards to professional guards, and how they have leveraged that experience to their future through jobs and college acceptance. Sharon has a very unique perspective which allows her to encompass many important values in life and parenting through the path of becoming a lifeguard. A MUST listen for any parent!

You can experience more of Sharon’s story and follow her family’s adventures at @sharonmckeeman on Instagram, and online at www.sharonmckeemanphoto.com

Dr. Will Koon is a beach Lifeguard from California who recently completed a dissertation titled "Expanding the Evidence Base for Coastal Drowning Prevention". Will currently works as the National Manager of Drowning Prevention Strategy for Royal Lifesaving Australia.

Drowning is recognized as one of the leading causes of accidental death internationally and we have little data to be able to direct the needed behavior changes to prevent it. Drowning is defined as "the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid" and has outcomes of being fatal, non-fatal, and non-fatal with morbidity (lasting health effects). Simply put it is a preventable process, and much more complex than most people realize.

Will and I discuss drowning as a world issue, gaps in the data, studies about surfers and their involvement in the drowning space, prevention measures, lifeguarding, and much more!

Thank you for listening! If you would like to see more please go to:

thelifeguardproject.org

Welcome to The Lifeguard Project where we discuss the often misrepresented professional rescue work of Lifeguards. The project is aimed to educate and inspire while also speaking on topics regarding water safety as well as the global issues of drowning. That means almost any conversation regarding the ocean or water is on the table.