On September 19, I’ll be paddling 30 miles from Catalina to Newport Beach on a 14-foot paddleboard to support the Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation and honor the legacy of Ben Carlson.

Ben was a Newport Beach ocean lifeguard and former water polo player at the University of California, Irvine. In 2014, he lost his life while rescuing a swimmer caught in heavy surf. The swimmer made it to shore. Ben did not. His courage and selflessness continue to inspire lifeguards, athletes, and beach communities far beyond Southern California.

This Catalina-to-Newport crossing honors Ben’s memory while raising funds for a cause that reflects the values he lived by. The Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships for lifeguards and helps fund lifesaving equipment and water safety initiatives in communities worldwide.

The paddle will be a significant challenge, but it’s small compared to the sacrifice Ben made. If you’re able, I’d be grateful for your support. Every donation helps carry Ben’s legacy forward by equipping and inspiring the next generation of lifeguards and others dedicated to saving lives.