Chris Carlson, father of Ben Carlson, a Newport Beach lifeguard who died during a rescue in 2014, speaks about downing prevention near the statue of his son at the Newport Beach Pier on Thursday, June 1, 2017. (Photo by Nick Agro, Orange County Register/SCNG)
By LAYLAN CONNELLY | [email protected] | Orange County Register
The ocean can be a place for memorable adventures.
But after spending a lifetime sailing and surfing — and then losing a son who was a longtime lifeguard — Chris Carlson knows the ocean can be a dangerous and unforgiving place.
Carlson’s message, delivered Thursday to a group standing near a statue of his son, Ben Carlson, was part of a kick-off-to-summer message about drowning prevention in not just the ocean, but pools and lakes and other waters.
The OC Drowning Prevention Task Force, formed last year, brought together lifeguard chiefs from around the county and representatives from the Orange County Fire Authority, along with dignitaries, to highlight its Drowning Prevention Campaign for the summer.
So far this year, there have been 22 drownings, 12 of them resulting in death, according to a spreadsheet handed out at the event. Â Of the 22 incidents recorded, eight occurred in a swimming pool, one in a spa, seven in a bathtub and six in the ocean and bays.