- Ben Carlson was described as someone who was always 'there to help'
- Rescuers took three hours to find him due to turbulent conditions
- Lifeguards were seen tearfully consoling one another after the death
24
View
comments
A 32-year-old Newport Beach lifeguard who drowned while attempting to save a swimmer, has become the first to die in the line of duty in the city's history.
Ben Carlson, described as a veteran lifeguard, died yesterday near the city's pier after trying to rescue a swimmer.
The lifeguard had entered the water from a rescue boat around 5pm and had reached the swimmer when they were both struck by 10-foot high waves, authorities said.
Scroll down for video
Ben Carlson, 32, became the first Newport Beach lifeguard to die in the line of duty after drowning while going to the rescue of a distressed swimmer at the Orange County beach yesterday
'He just loved being out on the water, he loved the opportunity to help people,' said his father, Chris Carlson
Rescuers took three hours to locate the teenager after he disappeared under a 10-foot high wave and were later seen tearfully consoling one another on Newport Beach
The swimmer made it back to shore, but Ben disappeared.
Rescue officials said the teenager's colleagues were not immediately able to find him due to the turbulent water.
RELATED ARTICLES
NZ dad of three dies in jet ski accident Northern California wildfire challenges crews
My Surf School Rules! My Kitchen Rules star Pete Evans swaps...
Share this article
ShareAfter a three-hour search, which included a helicopter, more than 20 rescuers in the water and a similar amount supporting from the shore, the teenager was located around 8pm.
Ben was pulled on to Newport Pier and taken to Hoag Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Newport Beach lifeguards rescued hundreds of swimmers over the weekend due to dangerous rip currents
Lifeguards tearfully consoled one another following the death.
Beach Fire Department Chief Scott Poster told local media that Ben was 'there to help at every single moment'.
He added: 'It's just an utter tragedy to lose a man of that caliber in the water today.'
Ben's death had hit the close-knit public safety community hard, with officials describing it as a 'very difficult time'.
Californian media reported that Newport lifeguards had made hundreds of rescues in the days before the death, as the Orange County beach had experienced dangerous rip currents.
Children can join the Newport Surf Lifesaving Club as 'nippers', age five, according to the club's website. Members aged between 13-15 are called cadets and active junior members are aged 13-15. Active senior members are over 18.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pa3IpbCmmZmhe6S7ja6iaKaVrMBwrdGtoJyklWJ%2Fd4SSaWlqZ3yes6az1JqpnWVhanqlvs6wpaxlo5bDqrrGZqqwoZ2isrN5kmtkqZmZp3qptdNmaGlllql6uK3VnqpmhpWsvbC%2B02efraWc