Died July 6, 2014
Ben Carlson
Newport Beach Lifeguard
California
Drowned while rescuing a swimmer in rough surf.
Wall of Honor
Honoring lifeguards who died in the line of duty.
Lifeguarding is public service carried out at the edge of real risk. This page remembers lifeguards whose lives were lost while protecting others or serving on duty.
In memory
The honorees
Each entry includes the lifeguard's role, location, date of death, and the on-duty circumstance provided for this memorial.
Died January 15, 2015
Brian Kutil
Los Angeles County Fire Department Ocean Lifeguard Specialist
California
Died during an annual 500-meter lifeguard recertification swim exercise.
Died August 20, 2021
Norman V. "Champ" Inferrera III
Cape May Beach Patrol Lifeguard
New Jersey
Died after a lifeguard patrol boat flipped while he was on duty.
Died August 30, 2021
Keith Pinto
Berkeley Township Ocean Rescue Lifeguard
New Jersey
Killed by a lightning strike while on duty at the beach.
Died December 23, 2023
Jazmin Jefferson
D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Lifeguard
Washington, D.C.
Died after a medical emergency caused her to fall into the pool while on lifeguard duty.
Died August 2019
Jonathan Kowlessar
Lifeguard at Vessigny Beach
Trinidad and Tobago
Died after becoming unwell while on duty.