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Thanks to admirable humans like Spencer, Ben Carlson’s legacy will live on forever.


The Inertia

Two years ago, 32-year-old Ben Carlson gave his life to save another. While responding to a distressed swimmer, the 15-year veteran Newport Beach lifeguard selflessly plunged into the violent 10- to 12-foot seas and never returned. Thanks to Ben, the swimmer was safely pulled from the ocean. It took a search party of over 50 people, police helicopters, and several rescue boats before his body was found later that evening. Ben died a true hero.

Two years after Carlson’s tragic death, the community of Newport Beach came together to honor his legacy and remember their fallen friend who was taken too soon. Earlier this month, a nine-foot-tall statue was erected at Newport Beach Pier to honor Ben’s heroism and serve as a symbol of respect for lifeguards everywhere. But the recognition for a person as selfless as Ben doesn’t stop there. A close friend and fellow lifeguard, Spencer Pirdy, was inspired to celebrate Ben’s life and give back in a way that adequately spoke to his fallen comrade’s character.

Last Friday, Spencer took off from Newport Harbor on his 12-foot Jamie Mitchell board and paddled to Catalina, a trip of roughly 32.2 miles. The following day, Spencer ran a full marathon (26.2 miles) before paddling back to Newport Harbor the next day. The ≈90.8-mile trip was completed to commemorate his fallen friend and raise money for the Ben Carlson Foundation, a cause created to promote ocean safety and awareness, as well as provide scholarships to well-deserving candidates.

The man, the myth, the legend: Ben Carlson.

The man, the myth, the legend: Ben Carlson.

“He was such a stud,” Spencer told The Inertia. “He was confident in all aspects of his life and he made everyone around him comfortable. With his passing, I’ve realized that life is so precious and you’ve got to make use of the little time you have on earth.”

To those who had the pleasure of knowing him, Ben Carlson was so much more than just a lifeguard and a surfer. He was a role model and mentor, a genuine friend who had a kind and infectious demeanor. And thanks to the Ben Carlson Foundation and admirable humans like Spencer, Ben’s legacy will live on forever.

“I plan to do it every year until I just physically can’t anymore,” said Spencer. “Not just for Ben, but for the entire lifeguard community. Once you’re a lifeguard, you’re a lifeguard for life.”

Support Ben’s legacy and get involved with the Ben Carlson Foundation by visiting BenCarlsonFoundation.org.

 
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