WANT TO SEE JUSTIN SEMPSROTT LIVE? Sign up for The Lifeguard Project’s first training event, The RESPONDER ROUND-UP:https://thelifeguardproject.org/the-responder-roundupThis week we are back with Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Justin Sempsrott, an emergency medical physician and drowning specialist who spent the last two decades advancing drowning resuscitation. In 2006, he co-founded Lifeguards Without Borders after seeing the massive and preventable global burden of drowning, especially in low and middle income countries. In the last five years alone, Justin has lectured on drowning resuscitation to over 10,000 pre-hospital providers, including Air Force Paratroopers, Navy Seals and other special forces medics has also helped spearhead numerous studies, which have become the latest science for Industrywide as well as statewide drowning protocols.00:00 Welcome to Part 201:10 Drowning Rhythm Basics03:48 AED Timing Decisions06:03 Responder Roundup Promo07:44 Vigilance And Scene Context11:54 Profiling Risky Swimmers14:00 Pools Versus Beaches15:38 Global Drowning Burden18:06 Medical Oversight Innovation23:19 Implementing New Science26:56 Rescuer Mental Health28:50 Nonfatal Drowning Aftermath30:13 Families And Prevention Advocacy36:36 Equity And Generational Barriers41:12 Multisector Solutions45:28 What Works In Practice50:13 Community Prevention Tactics54:23 Valuing Lifeguards In Systems56:06 Driving Change Upstream57:49 Data Beats Tradition01:00:44 Rethinking C Spine Care01:03:24 Textbooks Journals Conferences01:04:13 Compassion Through Repetition01:07:33 Mentorship Fuels Momentum01:13:37 Join the Drowning Network01:17:28 Cross Discipline Safety Lessons01:21:31 Breath Hold Training In Light01:27:02 When Healthy Swimmers Drown01:29:22 High Fidelity Beach Scenarios01:34:16 Continuum Care and Dispatch01:40:56 Embrace Change and Creditless01:42:21 Final Thanks and WrapThanks for listening!Check out these links for more!Drowning Presentation2024 AHA Drowning GuidelinesPresented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/Subscribe to the Podcast Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54thttps://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/https://thelifeguardproject.org/Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:https://www.bogdogphoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/drowning resuscitation, drowning prevention, drowning science, drowning definition update, near drowning definition change, lifeguard CPR rescue breathing, oxygen first drowning protocol, BVM ventilation in drowning, foam and vomiting in drowning, jaw thrust airway management, compression-only CPR vs drowning CPR, pediatric drowning prevention, Lifeguards Without Borders, global drowning statistics, water safety education, EMS drowning protocols

WANT TO SEE JUSTIN SEMPSROTT LIVE? Sign up for The Lifeguard Project’s first training event, The RESPONDER ROUND-UP:https://thelifeguardproject.org/the-responder-roundupThese episodes are a must listen for anyone curious about all things drowning. From professionals to public.Dr. Justin Sempsrott is an emergency medicine physician and drowning specialist who’s spent the last two decades advancing drowning resuscitation. We split this episode into a two part recording in order to discuss in detail everything from physiology to advancements in care, global policy, studies, science, and every aspect of drowning management from prevention, to water rescue, conscious victims, and all the way to the hospital. Justin's extensive experience is a valuable asset to the lifeguard project podcast as it makes our community in tune with the latest updates in the world of water rescue and drowning prevention.Justin started as a beach lifeguard in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 1996. In 2006, he co-founded Lifeguards Without Borders after seeing the massive and preventable global burden of drowning, especially in low- and middle-income countries.He’s provided consultation, training, and medical education across the world working with lifeguards, nurses, physicians, and responders in places like Peru, Portugal, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Australia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Canada, and beyond.In the last five years alone, Justin has lectured on drowning resuscitation to more than 10,000 prehospital providers including U.S. Air Force PJ’s, Navy SEALs, and other special operations medics. He has also helped spearhead numerous studies which have become the latest science for industry wide as well as statewide drowning protocols, most recently in San Luis Obispo County and in conjunction with the Lifeguard Project.He also brings experience from wilderness medicine and mass gathering medicine, serving as Associate Medical Director for the Burning Man Medical Operations and continues to work in several emergency departments.00:00 Meet Dr Justin Sempsrott01:34 Early Life Overseas03:29 Childhood Drowning Scare06:53 Lifeguarding Beginnings08:45 From Beach to Med School11:49 First Major Rescue13:47 Finding the Drowning Community17:27 Global Drowning Reality Check19:53 Bangladesh Data and Daycares23:07 Defining Drowning Properly27:58 Prevention and Behavior Change32:52 Resuscitation Priorities for Drowning40:40 Oxygen First on Scene51:00 Cross Training First Responders52:25 Preplanning With Lifeguards52:51 Don’t Break What Works54:19 Micro Delays Matter55:05 Salt Vs Fresh Water56:18 Antibiotics And Myths57:33 Cold Water Realities01:00:14 Rescue To Recovery Calls01:04:38 Laryngospasm Explained01:10:40 Foam Cough And Triage01:16:25 Delayed Drowning Debunked01:18:14 Airway Tools Priorities01:25:29 Ventilator Strategy Basics01:27:20 Updating Drowning Protocols01:37:30 Final ThoughtsThanks for listening!Check out these links for more!Drowning Presentation2024 AHA Drowning GuidelinesPresented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/Subscribe to the Podcast Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54thttps://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/https://thelifeguardproject.org/Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:https://www.bogdogphoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/drowning resuscitation, drowning prevention, drowning science, drowning definition update, near drowning definition change, lifeguard CPR rescue breathing, oxygen first drowning protocol, BVM ventilation in drowning, foam and vomiting in drowning, jaw thrust airway management, compression-only CPR vs drowning CPR, pediatric drowning prevention, Lifeguards Without Borders, global drowning statistics, water safety education, EMS drowning protocols

Don Lester is a veteran swift water and technical rescue professional with extensive field experience across firefighting, emergency medical response, and advanced rescue instruction. Over the course of his career, Don logged more than 150 days per season on the water and served as both a Swift Water Rescue instructor and a Rescue 3 International instructor trainer.Known for his thoughtful and disciplined approach, Don emphasizes continuous learning and risk awareness in dynamic water environments. This episode is essential listening for lifeguards, firefighters, river professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of water rescue safety.00:00 Introduction00:08 Meet Don Lester: Swiftwater, Technical Rescue Expert00:53 A Day on the American River01:10 Don's Early Life and Rafting Beginnings01:40 Innovations in Rafting and Early Adventures06:31 Guiding and Professional Development08:12 Pioneering Whitewater and Rescue Techniques19:59 Teaching Philosophy and Influences29:02 Lifeguard Training and Swift Water Rescue36:00 Throw Bag Rescue Techniques36:52 Mindset Differences: Lifeguards vs. Firefighters38:09 Balancing Planning and Action in Rescues40:21 A Real-Life Rescue Story46:20 The Importance of Training and Experience54:40 Creating Effective Rescue Teams01:13:31 The Evolution of Emergency Medicine01:14:26 Learning from Real-World Experiences01:15:42 Challenges and Adaptations in Rescue Training01:17:46 The Complexities of Tsunami and Flood Rescues01:23:55 Mental Health in Rescue Work01:27:15 The Importance of Practice and Preparedness01:35:49 Old Growth Rescue: A New Initiative01:38:57 Final ThoughtsRead More About Don Here:https://oldgrowthrescue.com/Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/Subscribe to the Podcast Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54thttps://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/https://thelifeguardproject.org/Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:https://www.bogdogphoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/#SwiftWaterRescue#LifeguardPodcast#FirstResponderTraining#TheLifeguardProjectPodcast#BenCarlsonFoundation#WaterRescue#RiverRescue#LifeguardLife#FirstResponders#FirefighterTraining#EMTLife#TechnicalRescue#RescueTraining#RiverGuide#FloodRescue#WaterSafety#SearchAndRescue#EmergencyResponse#RescueMindset#OceanSafety

Lifeguard Legend Ed Vodrazka (Eddie V) recites the inspirational epilogue from his book - Stories from Sea Level.This book is a hand-picked assemblage of truly exceptional ocean-related events which occurred within the 50-year span between 1969 and 2019. The lifeguards featured in these stories work for various agencies between San Diego and the Sonoma Coast. Of note, the lifeguards themselves provided the author with the details and specifics necessary to accurately immortalize their remarkable and dramatic events. This collection of their accounts are offered by the author as a sincere homage to all lifeguards (past, present, and future) who diligently patrol the California coastline ensuring the safety of the general public.Find it here: https://a.co/d/7tqoWyR

Welcome to a very special episode on the Lifeguard Project podcast. Today, we get to sit down with Greg Bonann, the creator and producer of Baywatch. At its peak, Baywatch became the most-watched television show in the world, airing in over 140 countries and reaching more than a billion viewers each week.Today, Greg shares his journey from his early start as a kid facing challenges to his first rescues as an LA County lifeguard. Moments that shaped his purpose long before Hollywood came calling. And now 30 years later, Baywatch is returning in 2026 with Greg once again leading the charge, bringing in a new vision, while staying true to the show's roots of courage, community, and rescue.00:00 Introduction to Greg Bonann and Baywatch01:13 Greg's Early Life and Challenges04:04 High School Swimming and Lifeguarding Beginnings09:13 Mentorship and Lifeguard Training21:18 The Lifeguard Brotherhood and Early Experiences28:30 The Birth of a Storyteller31:51 The Rescue That Sparked Baywatch42:32 A Desperate Rescue43:04 The Struggle to Save a Life45:10 A Happy Ending and Reflections46:18 The Frustration of Storytelling46:52 Baywatch's Early Challenges48:18 The Lifeguard's Journey51:40 Junior Lifeguard Program59:03 The Road to Red01:06:27 The Importance of Mentorship01:10:29 Baywatch's Global Impact01:23:21 Pam's Underwater Training01:23:53 Lifeguard Training and Challenges01:25:06 Baywatch's Impact and Recognition01:27:22 Authenticity in Lifeguard Representation01:30:37 Challenges in TV Production01:33:50 Baywatch's Legacy and Future01:45:46 Personal Reflections and Future GoalsRead More About Greg Here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_J._BonannPresented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/Subscribe to the Podcast Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54thttps://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/https://thelifeguardproject.org/Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:https://www.bogdogphoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/

Today I interview Steve Long. Steve was a California State Parks lifeguard, and maybe the only lifeguard who never passed lifeguard training yet was chosen by leadership to Excel and fast track into leadership roles throughout his career.Steve worked in the golden age of lifeguarding in California and ended up as a supervising peace officer for California State Parks in the San Clemente area. Steve and I discuss, not just lifeguarding, but some of his personal philosophy on life and much, much more as always.00:00 Introduction to Steve Long's Lifeguard Journey01:18 Early Life and Passion for Swimming04:09 College Years and Military Aspirations08:31 The Decision to Pursue Lifeguarding12:55 First Encounters with State Lifeguard Training17:51 Becoming a Permanent Lifeguard23:16 Fast-Tracking Through Lifeguard Roles27:01 Memorable Experiences and Challenges36:08 A Lifeguard's First Experience with Death37:07 Rapid Career Advancement40:04 Challenges and Tensions on the Beach41:43 Becoming a Lifeguard Supervisor46:23 Navigating Interjurisdictional Operations51:35 Raising a Family in the Park55:32 Returning to Lifeguarding59:44 The Unique Role of Lifeguards01:04:47 Balancing Work and Family01:10:39 Encouraging the Next Generation01:14:54 Rusty's Journey in Surfing and Career01:15:34 Impact of Lifeguarding on Family and Career01:16:34 Lifeguarding as a Metaphor for Life01:18:34 The High Calling of Lifeguarding01:21:30 Greg's Big Wave Incident01:27:48 The Evolution of Lifeguarding Profession01:28:46 The LA County Lifeguard Walkout01:36:22 Advice for Future Lifeguards01:42:29 Preserving San Onofre and Environmental Stewardship01:48:32 Final ThoughtsLink To The San Onofre Parks Foundation:https://sanoparks.orgPresented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/Subscribe to the Podcast Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54thttps://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/https://thelifeguardproject.org/Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:https://www.bogdogphoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/

This Rescue Testimonial from Emily Eisenberg explains how she got into trouble and finally rescued from a rip current in Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles County on September 20th, 2020.Emily has a swimming background and very knowledgable about contacting lifeguards and approaching the beach safely. This day when there was less staffing, she found herself taking a dip and getting caught in a rip current with her friend. She expresses her feelings of shame and nervousness to ask for help from a surfer, and also how it was difficult to express to her friends what had happened.Emily's perspective is very insightful to lifeguards how a "standard" rip current rescue is not standard. There is an entirely different perspective that victims have as they go through the process of struggling in the water and becoming worried for their safety. There are also answers afterwards that do not get spoken about, along with many other details.Not all rescues are the same, victims and rescuers can all learn from this perspective.Have a story of your own? Please share!Thanks as always for listening!

Red Isn't Armor is an article by Podcast host Drasko Bogdanovic published in Wilderness Medicine Magazine regarding the misunderstood nature of lifeguarding, mental health, and drowning. You can find the article online to reference some of the photos included.https://wms.org/magazine/magazine/1574/Red-Isn-t-Armor/default.aspxDrasko Bogdanovic is a California State Parks Ocean Lifeguard, Flight Paramedic, and photographer with a focus in prehospital care, aquatic rescue, and drowning prevention. With extensive experience in lifeguarding, EMS, and education, he has trained lifeguards, EMTs, paramedics, and law enforcement officers across California and internationally. As founder of The Lifeguard Project, he uses storytelling through imagery and a podcast to connect field experience with public health education. His work explores the intersection of lifesaving, community engagement, and the often misunderstood nature of drowning.Thanks as always for listening!

Welcome to this episode of the Lifeguard Project Podcast, where I interview Newport Beach, lifeguard John Carpenter. John started as a YAP or Youth Employment Program in 1969 and has served with the Newport Beach Lifeguard Service for 50 years, from 1970 to 2020. During his time, he had certain accolades like training instructor for the Rookie Training Academy Lifeguard of the Year in 1985.Cadet program coordinator, all American swimmer at Costa Mesa High School in 1971, Orange Coast College National Champion in water polo in 1972, and has been a biology teacher for 40 years as well as a water polo and swim coach at Estancia High School. John and I get into some really interesting facts about the inception of the lifeguard service in Newport Beach when I watched him do his centennial presentation of the a hundred year anniversary of the Newport Beach.Lifeguards, John and I go through the entire history as well as some of his own personal stories. I hope you enjoy this episode, and thanks as always for listening. 00:00 Introduction to John Carpenter and His Lifeguard Career01:02 John's Early Lifeguard Experiences and Inspirations02:58 The Humbling First Tryout04:37 Overcoming Challenges and Proving Himself11:08 The Evolution of the YEP Program14:11 History of Newport Beach Lifeguard Service25:14 Early Lifeguard Training and Equipment Innovations33:57 Mechanization and Modernization of Lifeguard Services43:13 Essential Gear for Jetty Rescues43:59 Navigating Dangerous Rock Areas44:27 Challenges of Lifeguarding Near Rocks46:11 Modern Lifeguard Training and Techniques47:19 Historical Lifeguard Innovations49:32 Helicopter Rescues and Training57:30 Early Lifeguarding Days and Equipment01:03:56 Surfboard Licenses and Blackball Flags01:12:31 Project Wipe Out and Preventative Measures01:22:30 A Close Call and a Successful Rescue01:22:56 The Importance of Beach Education01:23:51 A Frightening Encounter with Negligent Parents01:25:55 The Dangers of Sand Entrapment01:27:00 A Lifeguard's Lifelong Vigilance01:34:00 Reflecting on a Lifeguard Career01:38:53 The Legacy of Lifeguarding01:51:33 Advice for New GuardsLink To John's Powerpoint:https://1drv.ms/p/c/2e013de102312bc0/ETs8_kjKnaZIvNHhGHmFv2IBpAcsXO7Z58nHd6be630Bqw?e=dsRP7bPresented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/Subscribe to the Podcast Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54thttps://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/https://thelifeguardproject.org/Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:https://www.bogdogphoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/

Welcome to this episode of The Lifeguard Project Podcast, where today I interview Mike Martino. Mike is a California State Parks lifeguard who started as a seasonal and throughout his career, worked his way up all the way to the aquatic specialist or chief lifeguard of California State Parks. Not only is he a lifeguard for life, but he also has become quite a lifeguard historian and represent some of the early lifeguard pioneers who made their way up in the Sonoma coastline in the north of California.The Sonoma coastline is what we focus on today and talk about some of those early challenges faced by the guards who worked up there. Mike shares with us some pretty impactful stories, both personal and professional, and we walk through what it really means to be a lifeguard. Thanks as always for listening.00:00 Welcome to The Lifeguard Project Podcast01:25 Mike Martino's Path to Lifeguarding04:04 First Impressions of the Sonoma Coastline06:05 Challenges and Responsibilities of Lifeguarding the Sonoma Coast09:56 Community Perception and Lifeguard Interactions15:23 The Reality of Lifeguard Work and Prevention25:40 Abalone Diving and Lifeguard Experiences31:00 Critical Rescues and Lifeguard Reflections42:26 The Unseen Skills of Lifeguards43:11 The Edge of Life and Death45:27 Northern vs. Southern California Lifeguarding48:06 The Challenges of Lifeguarding in Remote Areas49:27 The Importance of Physical Activity in Managing Trauma50:20 The Evolution of Lifeguard Support Programs56:10 The Impact of Junior Lifeguard Programs01:00:56 The Value of Lifeguard Services01:06:37 The Lifeguard Community and Legacy01:21:13 Final ThoughtsLinks to Mike's Books on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Lifeguards-Diego-County-Images-America/dp/073855586X/ref=sr_1_4https://www.amazon.com/Help-San-Diego-Lifeguards-Rescue/dp/1941384390/ref=sr_1_3Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation:https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/Subscribe to the Podcast Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54thttps://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/https://thelifeguardproject.org/Host, Drasko Bogdanovic:https://www.bogdogphoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/