The stainless-steel statue of fallen Newport Beach lifeguard Ben Carlson, shown during its dedication in 2016, stands near the base of the Newport Pier. It is one of many memorials to Carlson, the only city lifeguard to die in the line of duty. (File Photo)
By Hillary Davis | Los Angeles Times DAILY PILOT
July 6 is officially Benjamin M. Carlson Day in Newport Beach.
The designation, marking the anniversary of the city lifeguard’s death in the line of duty in 2014, joins other enduring memorials that Newport has created in the past five years.
A resolution approved unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday recounts Carlson’s final rescue and lists the ways the community recognizes him — the Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation, the statue in McFadden Square, the Benjamin M. Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters on the Newport Pier, an annual ceremony in the sand with the Fire Department.
Jake Janz, Carlson’s brother-in-law and the artist behind the statue, accepted the city’s latest honor with Carlson’s sister Stephanie, mother Teri and two young nephews.