The Lifeguard Project

Ed Vodrazka (Eddie V) is a "lifeguard for life" with an extraordinary 47-year career. Born to immigrant parents in Canada, he became an ocean lifeguard in 1976 and went on to make history as the first paid foreign lifeguard in New Zealand in 1979. Ed’s career spans iconic roles, from California State Lifeguard to a permanent Peace Officer Lifeguard at San Diego’s coast, to working with LA County on Malibu and Zuma beaches. Along the way, he became a Registered Nurse, specializing in cardiology, and taught lifeguard training across the state for over 25 years. He’s personally trained over 6,000 lifeguards and was honored as “Educator of the Year” by California EMSA in 2017. A passionate advocate for lifeguard culture and education, Ed has written two influential books about stories and recollections throughout his career that unlock a unique glimpse into lifeguard culture, Stories from Sea Level and One Guard Out. His grassroots style and inspirational messaging have made him a sought-after speaker and trainer. Ed is also a family man, married to Jennifer, with two children, Jade, a State Lifeguard and nursing student, and Charlie, a high school student interested in film editing. Today, Ed's stories take us through an unexpected start in lifeguarding, the golden years of lifeguarding in the 70's, talks about life and death, as well as some sneak peaks into his two books. Thank you for listening! Stories From Sea Level: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Sea-Level-Adventures-Californias/dp/B08ZBPK834 One Guard Out: https://www.amazon.com/One-Guard-Out-Lifeguards-Californias/dp/B0B4SJH6DH Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations [https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations]

Alex began his lifeguarding career after playing water polo at the University of the Pacific. Inspired by his brother, a California Parks lifeguard in Santa Cruz, Alex started working as a lifeguard in Santa Cruz in 2013. He quickly became immersed in the ocean community as a lifeguard, surfer, and body surfer, eventually rising to a supervisor role. In March 2017, Alex transferred to North County San Diego. On August 17, 2017, while body surfing during a physical training break, he struck a sandbar and was knocked unconscious. When he regained consciousness, Alex experienced one of the most profound moments of his life—an intimate firsthand perspective of drowning, being rescued by bystanders, and ultimately, by his fellow lifeguards. After being treated for a severe spinal injury, Alex embarked on a long and challenging recovery. He learned to walk again and has since made remarkable strides both personally and professionally. Today, Alex continues to inspire others with his story of resilience, recovery, and the powerful lessons he's learned about life, death, and the importance of training for emergencies. Join us as Alex shares his incredible journey and the profound impact his rescuers had on his recovery. This is a powerful story of courage, determination, and the life-saving importance of being prepared to act when a rescue is needed. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations [https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations]

Chief Scott Haberle serves as the Fire Chief for the City of Huntington Beach and has a strong track record of effective citywide collaboration resulting in enhanced emergency service delivery and leadership development. His 32-year fire service career has given him a wide variety of experience. Today, Chief Haberle discusses his take on leadership throughout EMS, Fire, and how it all fits into lifeguarding. Frankly speaking this conversation can benefit anyone, in any rank, of any field, as Chief Haberle expands the subject of leadership which can be applied throughout all service based professions. What I find to be unique about Chief Haberle is that he has worked his way through the ranks as Firefighter, Fire Inspector/Fire Investigator, Paramedic, Fire Captain, Fire Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Chief for the city of Monterey Park. He even put his time in as a pool lifeguard. Now he is ultimately responsible for the Huntington Beach Marine Safety Division as an integral part of the Fire Department. He holds an associate degree from Rio Hondo College; a bachelor’s degree from California State University Long Beach; a master’s degree in public administration from University of La Verne; and the Executive Fire Officer certification from the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Thank you for listening! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations [https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations]

This episode recounts a firsthand point of view from David Villareal, who was rescued by the Newport Beach Lifeguard's after being sucked out by a strong rip current. The rescue happened on July 6, 2024, the 10 year anniversary of the death of Ben Carlson, a Newport Beach Lifeguard who died in the line of duty while making a rescue. July 6, 2024 brought a heat wave with large swell and massive beach crowds to Newport Beach, CA. David was caught rip current, struggling to stay afloat, when the quick actions of lifeguards on the Sea Watch Rescue Vessel were able to reach him and bring him on board to safety. David had inhaled water and was eventually checked out by paramedics on the beach for a potential nonfatal, drowning episode. David was gracious enough to share this intimate experience and speaks about the perspective he had with his interaction with the Lifeguards and their professionalism during this life changing moment. This episode is critical for anyone who wants to learn about the often lost perspective of a rescue, the person who was saved. Many people will be able to learn and resinate with the simple actions and unsuspecting moments which David shares with us. A big shoutout to the Newport Beach Lifeguards, Brandon Lagrotta, James Lewis, and Brendan Rafferty who performed this rescue and were able to objectively save David's life. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations [https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations]

This conversation represents over 100 years of lifeguarding experience in a single room discussing virtually every aspect of lifeguarding. Mike Silvestri (Mestri) and Mike Brousard (Bruiser) are career lifeguards who began lifeguarding in California in the 1970's. They have been intimately involved in the profession and bring a whole new meaning to what it means to be "Lifeguards for Life". "The Mikes" discuss everything from the early days of lifeguarding, how the job has changed, rescues, junior lifeguards, the first female lifeguards, and some of their best and worst days at work. This conversation is highly inspirational from two soulful humans who share their incredible perspective doing something that they truly loved. It will be hard to argue anything other than the fact that lifeguarding is the best job in the world once you have listened to this conversation! Mike Silvestri is a CA State Lifeguard who began his career in 1971 in San Diego, CA. He served as a State Parks Peace Officer Lifeguard from 1981 to 2007 when he "retired" but currently remains involved in the State Parks Lifeguard Training Academy as a retired annuitant. Mike Silvestri has been involved in lifeguard training for over 45 years, training a conservative estimate of 5,000 guards throughout his career. Mike Brousard began lifeguarding in 1970 and served as a California State Parks Peace Officer from 1977. In 1989 Mike Brousard became a rescue boat operator at Huntington State Beach and finished his career in San Clemente serving as Chief Lifeguard. Mike Brousard was also heavily involved in the CA State Parks Lifeguard Training Academy and taught along with Mike Silvestri for several decades. Mike Brousard has written two books about lifeguarding titled "Warm Winds and Following Seas" and "Neptune Wept" which showcase the profession through incredible storytelling. You can find the books for sale on amazon at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mike-Brousard/author/B07NKV99PB?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true This podcast was recorded at Chobo Studios! https://chobo.co/studios Thank you for listening! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations [https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations]