News Summary
Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton will paddle 30 miles from Catalina Island to Newport Beach to honor lifeguard Ben Carlson, who died while saving a swimmer. This tribute on September 13 aims to raise awareness and funds for ocean safety, while the Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation continues promoting lifeguard education. The paddle serves as a call to action for community involvement in water safety, following the tragic drowning of young Jasper Ray St. Clair, and coincides with the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, celebrating the spirit of community and remembrance.
Newport Beach – Newport Beach Mayor Hon. Joe Stapleton is set to embark on a 30-mile paddle across the open ocean from Catalina Island to Newport Beach on September 13, 2023. This event aims to honor the legacy of lifeguard Ben Carlson, who tragically lost his life in 2014 while saving a distressed swimmer, marking the first instance of a lifeguard death in Newport Beach’s history.
Mayor Stapleton has rigorously prepared for this challenge, completing over 50 training paddles that total more than 450 miles. His commitment to this cause is fueled by a desire to raise funds and awareness for ocean safety, lifeguard education, and the preservation of Ben Carlson’s legacy. The event serves as both a tribute and a call to action for community engagement in ocean safety initiatives.
The Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation supports various initiatives aimed at enhancing ocean safety, providing scholarships, and promoting leadership, character, and community involvement among youths. The foundation reflects the values that Ben Carlson exemplified throughout his life and career as a dedicated lifeguard.
Residents and supporters are encouraged to contribute to the cause through donations, which can be made online. These funds will bolster ongoing programs that aim to educate the community about water safety and ensure that the risk of drowning is mitigated through proper training and resources.
Awareness of drowning-related events in the region has been heightened due to recent tragedies, such as the drowning of 21-month-old Jasper Ray St. Clair in 2014. This incident spurred advocacy for improved water safety measures through the establishment of the Jasper Ray Foundation, which focuses on similar goals of community safety and education. Both the Ben Carlson Foundation and the Jasper Ray Foundation work in tandem to highlight the importance of water safety in Newport Beach and its surrounding areas.
In addition to the paddle event, Newport Beach commemorates Ben Carlson through various community activities and events. One notable occasion is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, which features festive vessels decked with Christmas lights in tribute to Carlson. This year, the parade will celebrate its 116th anniversary, running nightly through December 22. It contributes approximately $10 million annually to local businesses, showcasing the community’s spirit while honoring its local heroes.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Christmas Across the Decades,” inviting entries to compete for various honors. The event not only serves as a joyous celebration but also as a reminder of the importance of community and the values represented by individuals like Ben Carlson and his commitment to serving the public.
As the date of the paddle approaches, Mayor Stapleton’s efforts highlight the ongoing need for advocacy in ocean safety and community education. By participating in this significant event, he continues to inspire a culture of heroism and commitment to public service while honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for others in the line of duty.
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Additional Resources
- The Catalina Islander
- Wikipedia: Ocean Safety
- Surfer
- Google Search: Ben Carlson Newport Beach
- ABC7
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lifeguard
- Los Angeles Times
- Google News: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
