The Lifeguard Project

In this episode of The Lifeguard Podcast, we sit down with Doug Armstrong, a captain with the National Park Service Ocean Lifeguards at Ocean Beach, San Francisco — one of the only National Park Service lifeguard operations on the California coast. Doug walks through his path from teenage East Coast beach lifeguard to nearly 20 years guarding one of the most dynamic and unpredictable stretches of water in the country, right beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. He breaks down what makes Ocean Beach so uniquely demanding: shifting tidal currents, dense fog, and a small seven-person crew that has to stay mobile, fit, and tightly bonded to handle it all. The conversation also covers Doug's unexpected second career as an attorney, how he balances two very different professional identities, and his work bringing water safety expertise to wave pool facilities like the Surf Ranch. It's a rare look inside a lifeguard operation most people — even within the industry — have never heard of.

00:00 – Intro: Meet Doug Armstrong

02:00 – How Doug got his start lifeguarding on the East Coast

05:00 – First year on the job and his first rescue

09:00 – The move to California and the National Park Service

11:00 – What makes NPS lifeguarding at Ocean Beach unique

13:00 – Life on patrol: no towers, no facility, just trucks

15:00 – Tidal currents and Ocean Beach's toughest conditions

17:00 – Running a 7-person crew and team culture

19:00 – Leadership: filtering and building the right team

28:00 – Training standards and going through wetsuits

30:00 – Working with the Coast Guard, fire dept, and biologists

33:00 – Operating under the Golden Gate Bridge

36:00 – Pay, cost of living, and working for a federal agency

40:00 – Doug's side gig as a practicing attorney

44:00 – How law and lifeguarding sharpen each other

50:00 – Growing the program with full-time positions

52:00 – The Stinson Beach side of the operation

54:00 – Keeping his lifeguard and attorney identities separate

57:00 – Getting into wave pool water safety (Surf Ranch)

1:01:00 – The rise of wave parks and new water safety needs

1:02:00 – Doug's advice for aspiring lifeguards

1:05:00 – Closing thoughts on Ocean Beach's operation

Watch On YouTube Here:

https://youtu.be/mSqV-vSgQdo

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

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

Subscribe to the Podcast Here:

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t

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

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.instagram.com/drasko_projects

Ocean Lifeguard, National Park Service Lifeguards, Ocean Beach San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Rip Current Safety, Water Rescue, Lifeguard Culture, Coastal Lifeguarding, Surf Zone Safety, Wave Pool Water Safety

Welcome to a unique episode of The Lifeguard Project Podcast. Today, you're going to get to hear from the panel of experts who spoke at the Responder Roundup, which happened May 6th and 7th, 2026, in San Luis Obispo, California. The Responder Roundup brought in 250 first responders from over 40 different agencies to train in high-fidelity drowning training over the course of two days. This specific panel discussion focuses on the local impacts of drowning, how agencies might approach establishing drowning protocols, and general concepts overall. Hope you enjoy this very unique episode, and look out for future trainings and links for when another one of these roundups might be happening.

00:00 Intro

00:48 Panelist introductions

02:43 Origin of San Luis Obispo County's drowning protocol

03:27 Sandra's story: the pool rescue

09:14 Why lifeguards matter in the first five minutes

10:05 The value of "up-training" for non-EMS responders

12:14 Implementing the protocol: navigating red tape

14:18 Advocacy in smaller vs. larger counties

15:34 Serving up solutions "on a platter"

17:33 Changing the language: drowning vs. near-drowning

19:04 Getting dispatch on the same page

19:53 New Zealand's approach to bystander CPR training

21:54 Why high-fidelity mannequins matter

25:22 The training gap for pool and beach lifeguards

25:46 Stress inoculation and realistic training

28:31 Falling back on your training under pressure

29:28 Communicating with your team before the emergency

30:15 A real Saturday call: multi-agency response

31:38 You may be the most trained person on scene

32:34 Handling pushback from other responders

39:16 Advocacy through networking and community

43:06 Closing thoughts from the panel

46:38 Closing remarks and gratitude

Watch On YouTube Here:

https://youtu.be/pWqVHFU4Ywk

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

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

Subscribe to the Podcast Here:

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t

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

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.instagram.com/drasko_projects

Water Safety, Drowning Prevention, Responder Roundup, EMS Training, First Responders, Lifeguard Training, CPR Training, Drowning Resuscitation, Public Safety, Emergency Medicine

Welcome to another episode of the Lifeguard Project Podcast. Today's guest is Courtney Conlogue, one of American surfing's fiercest and most accomplished competitors. Courtney is a Santa Ana native who fell in love with surfing at age four, and went on to become one of the youngest athletes ever selected to the USA Junior Surf Team. She spent 13 years on the WSL tour, and built a career defined by power, grit, and resilience. Today, we dive into her illustrious surfing career, as well as her recent entry into the Huntington Beach Fire Marine Safety Division, or Huntington City Lifeguards. We talk all things about the ocean, surfing, family, resilience, and how she's made it this far, as well as a fresh perspective of an experienced surfer in the lifeguard world.

00:00 Intro

01:42 Courtney's ocean roots and family upbringing

06:36 The "inland kid" stereotype and earning her stripes

11:31 Reading conditions like a lifeguard vs. a surfer

17:31 Courtney's color-coded rip current system

23:53 Deciding to try out for Huntington City Lifeguards

26:31 Swim training and the pool tryout

29:39 The ocean tryout and academy experience

32:21 Staying calm under pressure: lessons from competing

40:03 A real rescue: getting three panicked swimmers to shore

44:31 Rookie year nerves and learning tower body language

52:04 Instinct, ego, and knowing when to ask for help

53:35 A close call at Sunset Beach

1:01:11 Pressure and proving herself as a pro surfer turned rookie guard

1:09:43 The ESPN Body Issue and redefining lifeguard imagery

1:19:06 Art, painting, and the Sea Tiger brand

1:26:23 Surf therapy and coaching athletes on the spectrum

1:34:37 Full circle: what lifeguarding gives back

1:35:42 The Tahiti story — a medical emergency with her mom mid-final

1:50:00 Closing thoughts and gratitude

Follow Courtney Here:

https://www.instagram.com/courtneyconlogue/?hl=en

Watch On YouTube Here:

https://youtu.be/ncDmU5hQyCg

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

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

Subscribe to the Podcast Here:

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t

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

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

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

Water Safety, Lifeguard Training, Courtney Conlogue, Professional Surfing, Ocean Rescue, Huntington Beach Lifeguards, Rip Current Awareness, Big Wave Surfing, Drowning Prevention, WSL Tour

WANT TO SEE JUSTIN SEMPSROTT LIVE? Sign up for The Lifeguard Project’s first training event, The RESPONDER ROUND-UP:

https://thelifeguardproject.org/the-responder-roundup

This week we are back with Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Justin Sempsrott, an emergency medical physician and drowning specialist who spent the last two decades advancing drowning resuscitation. In 2006, he co-founded Lifeguards Without Borders after seeing the massive and preventable global burden of drowning, especially in low and middle income countries. In the last five years alone, Justin has lectured on drowning resuscitation to over 10,000 pre-hospital providers, including Air Force Paratroopers, Navy Seals and other special forces medics has also helped spearhead numerous studies, which have become the latest science for Industrywide as well as statewide drowning protocols.

00:00 Welcome to Part 2

01:10 Drowning Rhythm Basics

03:48 AED Timing Decisions

06:03 Responder Roundup Promo

07:44 Vigilance And Scene Context

11:54 Profiling Risky Swimmers

14:00 Pools Versus Beaches

15:38 Global Drowning Burden

18:06 Medical Oversight Innovation

23:19 Implementing New Science

26:56 Rescuer Mental Health

28:50 Nonfatal Drowning Aftermath

30:13 Families And Prevention Advocacy

36:36 Equity And Generational Barriers

41:12 Multisector Solutions

45:28 What Works In Practice

50:13 Community Prevention Tactics

54:23 Valuing Lifeguards In Systems

56:06 Driving Change Upstream

57:49 Data Beats Tradition

01:00:44 Rethinking C Spine Care

01:03:24 Textbooks Journals Conferences

01:04:13 Compassion Through Repetition

01:07:33 Mentorship Fuels Momentum

01:13:37 Join the Drowning Network

01:17:28 Cross Discipline Safety Lessons

01:21:31 Breath Hold Training In Light

01:27:02 When Healthy Swimmers Drown

01:29:22 High Fidelity Beach Scenarios

01:34:16 Continuum Care and Dispatch

01:40:56 Embrace Change and Creditless

01:42:21 Final Thanks and Wrap

Thanks for listening!

Check out these links for more!

Drowning Presentation

2024 AHA Drowning Guidelines

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

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

Subscribe to the Podcast Here:

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t

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

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

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

drowning resuscitation, drowning prevention, drowning science, drowning definition update, near drowning definition change, lifeguard CPR rescue breathing, oxygen first drowning protocol, BVM ventilation in drowning, foam and vomiting in drowning, jaw thrust airway management, compression-only CPR vs drowning CPR, pediatric drowning prevention, Lifeguards Without Borders, global drowning statistics, water safety education, EMS drowning protocols

WANT TO SEE JUSTIN SEMPSROTT LIVE? Sign up for The Lifeguard Project’s first training event, The RESPONDER ROUND-UP:

https://thelifeguardproject.org/the-responder-roundup

These episodes are a must listen for anyone curious about all things drowning. From professionals to public.

Dr. Justin Sempsrott is an emergency medicine physician and drowning specialist who’s spent the last two decades advancing drowning resuscitation. We split this episode into a two part recording in order to discuss in detail everything from physiology to advancements in care, global policy, studies, science, and every aspect of drowning management from prevention, to water rescue, conscious victims, and all the way to the hospital. Justin's extensive experience is a valuable asset to the lifeguard project podcast as it makes our community in tune with the latest updates in the world of water rescue and drowning prevention.

Justin started as a beach lifeguard in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 1996. In 2006, he co-founded Lifeguards Without Borders after seeing the massive and preventable global burden of drowning, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

He’s provided consultation, training, and medical education across the world working with lifeguards, nurses, physicians, and responders in places like Peru, Portugal, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Australia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Canada, and beyond.

In the last five years alone, Justin has lectured on drowning resuscitation to more than 10,000 prehospital providers including U.S. Air Force PJ’s, Navy SEALs, and other special operations medics. He has also helped spearhead numerous studies which have become the latest science for industry wide as well as statewide drowning protocols, most recently in San Luis Obispo County and in conjunction with the Lifeguard Project.

He also brings experience from wilderness medicine and mass gathering medicine, serving as Associate Medical Director for the Burning Man Medical Operations and continues to work in several emergency departments.

00:00 Meet Dr Justin Sempsrott

01:34 Early Life Overseas

03:29 Childhood Drowning Scare

06:53 Lifeguarding Beginnings

08:45 From Beach to Med School

11:49 First Major Rescue

13:47 Finding the Drowning Community

17:27 Global Drowning Reality Check

19:53 Bangladesh Data and Daycares

23:07 Defining Drowning Properly

27:58 Prevention and Behavior Change

32:52 Resuscitation Priorities for Drowning

40:40 Oxygen First on Scene

51:00 Cross Training First Responders

52:25 Preplanning With Lifeguards

52:51 Don’t Break What Works

54:19 Micro Delays Matter

55:05 Salt Vs Fresh Water

56:18 Antibiotics And Myths

57:33 Cold Water Realities

01:00:14 Rescue To Recovery Calls

01:04:38 Laryngospasm Explained

01:10:40 Foam Cough And Triage

01:16:25 Delayed Drowning Debunked

01:18:14 Airway Tools Priorities

01:25:29 Ventilator Strategy Basics

01:27:20 Updating Drowning Protocols

01:37:30 Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening!

Check out these links for more!

Drowning Presentation

2024 AHA Drowning Guidelines

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

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

Subscribe to the Podcast Here:

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t

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

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

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

drowning resuscitation, drowning prevention, drowning science, drowning definition update, near drowning definition change, lifeguard CPR rescue breathing, oxygen first drowning protocol, BVM ventilation in drowning, foam and vomiting in drowning, jaw thrust airway management, compression-only CPR vs drowning CPR, pediatric drowning prevention, Lifeguards Without Borders, global drowning statistics, water safety education, EMS drowning protocols

Don Lester is a veteran swift water and technical rescue professional with extensive field experience across firefighting, emergency medical response, and advanced rescue instruction. Over the course of his career, Don logged more than 150 days per season on the water and served as both a Swift Water Rescue instructor and a Rescue 3 International instructor trainer.

Known for his thoughtful and disciplined approach, Don emphasizes continuous learning and risk awareness in dynamic water environments. This episode is essential listening for lifeguards, firefighters, river professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of water rescue safety.

00:00 Introduction

00:08 Meet Don Lester: Swiftwater, Technical Rescue Expert

00:53 A Day on the American River

01:10 Don's Early Life and Rafting Beginnings

01:40 Innovations in Rafting and Early Adventures

06:31 Guiding and Professional Development

08:12 Pioneering Whitewater and Rescue Techniques

19:59 Teaching Philosophy and Influences

29:02 Lifeguard Training and Swift Water Rescue

36:00 Throw Bag Rescue Techniques

36:52 Mindset Differences: Lifeguards vs. Firefighters

38:09 Balancing Planning and Action in Rescues

40:21 A Real-Life Rescue Story

46:20 The Importance of Training and Experience

54:40 Creating Effective Rescue Teams

01:13:31 The Evolution of Emergency Medicine

01:14:26 Learning from Real-World Experiences

01:15:42 Challenges and Adaptations in Rescue Training

01:17:46 The Complexities of Tsunami and Flood Rescues

01:23:55 Mental Health in Rescue Work

01:27:15 The Importance of Practice and Preparedness

01:35:49 Old Growth Rescue: A New Initiative

01:38:57 Final Thoughts

Read More About Don Here:

https://oldgrowthrescue.com/

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

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

Subscribe to the Podcast Here:

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t

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

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

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

#SwiftWaterRescue

#LifeguardPodcast

#FirstResponderTraining

#TheLifeguardProjectPodcast

#BenCarlsonFoundation

#WaterRescue

#RiverRescue

#LifeguardLife

#FirstResponders

#FirefighterTraining

#EMTLife

#TechnicalRescue

#RescueTraining

#RiverGuide

#FloodRescue

#WaterSafety

#SearchAndRescue

#EmergencyResponse

#RescueMindset

#OceanSafety

Lifeguard Legend Ed Vodrazka (Eddie V) recites the inspirational epilogue from his book - Stories from Sea Level.

This book is a hand-picked assemblage of truly exceptional ocean-related events which occurred within the 50-year span between 1969 and 2019. The lifeguards featured in these stories work for various agencies between San Diego and the Sonoma Coast. Of note, the lifeguards themselves provided the author with the details and specifics necessary to accurately immortalize their remarkable and dramatic events. This collection of their accounts are offered by the author as a sincere homage to all lifeguards (past, present, and future) who diligently patrol the California coastline ensuring the safety of the general public.

Find it here: https://a.co/d/7tqoWyR

Welcome to a very special episode on the Lifeguard Project podcast. Today, we get to sit down with Greg Bonann, the creator and producer of Baywatch. At its peak, Baywatch became the most-watched television show in the world, airing in over 140 countries and reaching more than a billion viewers each week.

Today, Greg shares his journey from his early start as a kid facing challenges to his first rescues as an LA County lifeguard. Moments that shaped his purpose long before Hollywood came calling. And now 30 years later, Baywatch is returning in 2026 with Greg once again leading the charge, bringing in a new vision, while staying true to the show's roots of courage, community, and rescue.

00:00 Introduction to Greg Bonann and Baywatch

01:13 Greg's Early Life and Challenges

04:04 High School Swimming and Lifeguarding Beginnings

09:13 Mentorship and Lifeguard Training

21:18 The Lifeguard Brotherhood and Early Experiences

28:30 The Birth of a Storyteller

31:51 The Rescue That Sparked Baywatch

42:32 A Desperate Rescue

43:04 The Struggle to Save a Life

45:10 A Happy Ending and Reflections

46:18 The Frustration of Storytelling

46:52 Baywatch's Early Challenges

48:18 The Lifeguard's Journey

51:40 Junior Lifeguard Program

59:03 The Road to Red

01:06:27 The Importance of Mentorship

01:10:29 Baywatch's Global Impact

01:23:21 Pam's Underwater Training

01:23:53 Lifeguard Training and Challenges

01:25:06 Baywatch's Impact and Recognition

01:27:22 Authenticity in Lifeguard Representation

01:30:37 Challenges in TV Production

01:33:50 Baywatch's Legacy and Future

01:45:46 Personal Reflections and Future Goals

Read More About Greg Here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_J._Bonann

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

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

Subscribe to the Podcast Here:

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t

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

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

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

Today I interview Steve Long. Steve was a California State Parks lifeguard, and maybe the only lifeguard who never passed lifeguard training yet was chosen by leadership to Excel and fast track into leadership roles throughout his career.

Steve worked in the golden age of lifeguarding in California and ended up as a supervising peace officer for California State Parks in the San Clemente area. Steve and I discuss, not just lifeguarding, but some of his personal philosophy on life and much, much more as always.

00:00 Introduction to Steve Long's Lifeguard Journey

01:18 Early Life and Passion for Swimming

04:09 College Years and Military Aspirations

08:31 The Decision to Pursue Lifeguarding

12:55 First Encounters with State Lifeguard Training

17:51 Becoming a Permanent Lifeguard

23:16 Fast-Tracking Through Lifeguard Roles

27:01 Memorable Experiences and Challenges

36:08 A Lifeguard's First Experience with Death

37:07 Rapid Career Advancement

40:04 Challenges and Tensions on the Beach

41:43 Becoming a Lifeguard Supervisor

46:23 Navigating Interjurisdictional Operations

51:35 Raising a Family in the Park

55:32 Returning to Lifeguarding

59:44 The Unique Role of Lifeguards

01:04:47 Balancing Work and Family

01:10:39 Encouraging the Next Generation

01:14:54 Rusty's Journey in Surfing and Career

01:15:34 Impact of Lifeguarding on Family and Career

01:16:34 Lifeguarding as a Metaphor for Life

01:18:34 The High Calling of Lifeguarding

01:21:30 Greg's Big Wave Incident

01:27:48 The Evolution of Lifeguarding Profession

01:28:46 The LA County Lifeguard Walkout

01:36:22 Advice for Future Lifeguards

01:42:29 Preserving San Onofre and Environmental Stewardship

01:48:32 Final Thoughts

Link To The San Onofre Parks Foundation:

https://sanoparks.org

Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/

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

Subscribe to the Podcast Here:

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

https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t

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

https://thelifeguardproject.org/

Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:

https://www.bogdogphoto.com/

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

This Rescue Testimonial from Emily Eisenberg explains how she got into trouble and finally rescued from a rip current in Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles County on September 20th, 2020.

Emily has a swimming background and very knowledgable about contacting lifeguards and approaching the beach safely. This day when there was less staffing, she found herself taking a dip and getting caught in a rip current with her friend. She expresses her feelings of shame and nervousness to ask for help from a surfer, and also how it was difficult to express to her friends what had happened.

Emily's perspective is very insightful to lifeguards how a "standard" rip current rescue is not standard. There is an entirely different perspective that victims have as they go through the process of struggling in the water and becoming worried for their safety. There are also answers afterwards that do not get spoken about, along with many other details.

Not all rescues are the same, victims and rescuers can all learn from this perspective.

Have a story of your own? Please share!

Thanks as always for listening!