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

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

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

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

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/

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

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/

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

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!

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

Red Isn't Armor is an article by Podcast host Drasko Bogdanovic published in Wilderness Medicine Magazine regarding the misunderstood nature of lifeguarding, mental health, and drowning. You can find the article online to reference some of the photos included.

https://wms.org/magazine/magazine/1574/Red-Isn-t-Armor/default.aspx

Drasko Bogdanovic is a California State Parks Ocean Lifeguard, Flight Paramedic, and photographer with a focus in prehospital care, aquatic rescue, and drowning prevention. With extensive experience in lifeguarding, EMS, and education, he has trained lifeguards, EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement officers across California and internationally. As founder of The Lifeguard Project, he uses storytelling through imagery and a podcast to connect field experience with public health education. His work explores the intersection of lifesaving, community engagement, and the often misunderstood nature of drowning.

Thanks as always for listening!

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

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:

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/

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

Welcome to this episode of The Lifeguard Project Podcast, where today I interview Mike Martino. Mike is a California State Parks lifeguard who started as a seasonal and throughout his career, worked his way up all the way to the aquatic specialist or chief lifeguard of California State Parks. Not only is he a lifeguard for life, but he also has become quite a lifeguard historian and represent some of the early lifeguard pioneers who made their way up in the Sonoma coastline in the north of California.

The Sonoma coastline is what we focus on today and talk about some of those early challenges faced by the guards who worked up there. Mike shares with us some pretty impactful stories, both personal and professional, and we walk through what it really means to be a lifeguard. Thanks as always for listening.

00:00 Welcome to The Lifeguard Project Podcast

01:25 Mike Martino's Path to Lifeguarding

04:04 First Impressions of the Sonoma Coastline

06:05 Challenges and Responsibilities of Lifeguarding the Sonoma Coast

09:56 Community Perception and Lifeguard Interactions

15:23 The Reality of Lifeguard Work and Prevention

25:40 Abalone Diving and Lifeguard Experiences

31:00 Critical Rescues and Lifeguard Reflections

42:26 The Unseen Skills of Lifeguards

43:11 The Edge of Life and Death

45:27 Northern vs. Southern California Lifeguarding

48:06 The Challenges of Lifeguarding in Remote Areas

49:27 The Importance of Physical Activity in Managing Trauma

50:20 The Evolution of Lifeguard Support Programs

56:10 The Impact of Junior Lifeguard Programs

01:00:56 The Value of Lifeguard Services

01:06:37 The Lifeguard Community and Legacy

01:21:13 Final Thoughts

Links to Mike's Books on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Lifeguards-Diego-County-Images-America/dp/073855586X/ref=sr_1_4

https://www.amazon.com/Help-San-Diego-Lifeguards-Rescue/dp/1941384390/ref=sr_1_3

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/

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

Welcome to this episode of the Lifeguard Project Podcast, where I interviewed David Rodriguez. David is one of the early founders of Watchtower, a digital command center for Lifeguards. Watchtower is a mobile platform that's tailored to every agency's needs as far as rescue's, data, end of your reports, and a lot of other techy kind of stuff.

We won't get into the details here. I'll let David do the explaining in this episode. However, if you haven't seen Watchtower heard about it, it's definitely coming down the line. Today we talk about David's career and how the idea got started, and we also talk about where the future of technology in lifeguarding could put us.

00:00 Welcome to the Show!

00:43 Meet David Rodriguez

02:11 The Birth of Watchtower

05:27 Challenges and Development of Watchtower

09:21 Expanding Watchtower's Capabilities

14:44 Standardizing Lifeguard Data Collection

28:35 Public Safety and Real-Time Data with Watchtower

39:56 Innovative Safety Messaging Ideas

42:23 Challenges and Solutions in Public Engagement

47:15 Data Collection and Privacy Concerns

50:27 Future of Lifeguard Technology

57:03 Integrating Historical Data

01:05:29 Final Thoughts

David's Links:

Website: https://www.yourwatchtower.com/

Public beach safety information: https://safebeachday.com/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/mwjm_CnHP4Q

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/

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

Kalia Chalom is a 2nd year San Diego City Lifeguard. She submitted this essay to The Lifeguard Project and I encouraged her to record her essay "More Than a Summer Job" because it is so powerful. It encapsulates an inspirational take on the lifeguard culture and simplifies the lifeguard condition. Listen along as she reads her very own words which tread softly but strike deep chords about what it means to be a lifeguard. Goosebumps and tears incoming.

You can find the essay along with more of her writing here:

https://substack.com/@kaliasky

https://substack.com/inbox/post/166609955?utm_medium=ios

Have a submission you think can make the cut? Contact us to be featured on the podcast!

By lifeguards, for life.

Thanks for listening!

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