I am going to be participating in the “Ben Did Go” memorial paddle. I will be paddling 30 miles from Catalina island to Newport Beach in honor of Ben Carlson, a Newport Beach lifeguard who gave his life saving someone in heavy surf. The donation proceeds go to great causes. Some is given in the form of scholarships, and the rest is given to train lifeguards in countries without formal water safety programs. I have a goal of raising $5,000 dollars but would love to exceed this amount because of how important this cause is to me.
I have always loved the water but since moving to California this love has only grown deeper as I have begun spending more time in the ocean. I have experienced beautiful sunrises, surfed waves with dolphins, and met many amazing people in the water. I have also learned how powerful and unforgiving the ocean can be even to the most experienced watermen. Ocean lifeguards save thousands of lives every year and run into heavy surf risking their life and wellbeing to help others. The beaches we all love and enjoy wouldn't be the same without these heroes and the sacrifices they make in order to keep us safe. The foundation has also offered funding to train lifeguards in Central America at popular beaches and heavy surf spots such as Nicaragua and Puerto Escondido in Mexico. Their work has saved lives and will continue to do so in the future.
Whatever you can offer will be greatly appreciated and put to good use.