Lifesaving Efforts Honored Across SoCal

The California Surf Lifesaving Association (CSLSA) honored three lifeguards and one civilian for demonstrating extraordinary and exemplary bravery. These acts of heroism were recognized during the CSLSA’s Fall Board of Directors meeting held Oct. 12 at the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse.

The Medal of Valor was awarded to Oceanside Fire Department Lifeguard David Wilson and San Diego Fire and Rescue Division Lifeguards John Bahl and Chris Ingalls. Senior State Parks Aid Scott Huckabey was presented with the Heroic Act Award.

Additionally, the parents of the late Ben Carlson, Teri and Chris Carlson, accepted the Medal of Valor on behalf of their son. Ben was a Newport Beach lifeguard who died on duty while making a rescue on July 6, 2014.

“These individuals demonstrated bravery and a selfless commitment to the protection of the public,” said Mike Beuerlein, president of the CSLSA, who presented the awards. “Their heroic actions are inspirational and worthy of recognition, and are the embodiment of going ‘above and beyond the call of duty.’”

David Wilson: On July 17, 2016, Wilson responded to call of a jet-skier who had become wedged in the rocks of the north jetty of Oceanside Harbor, and was being pounded by large surf. Wilson, who was unable to extricate the victim, used his body to shield the victim from the relentless waves until additional personnel arrived. Wilson dove underwater to free the legs of the jet-skier from the rocks despite the force of the waves.

He also suffered numerous minor injuries during the rescue. The jet-skier, who was freed and airlifted to the hospital, made a full recovery.

John Bahl and Chris Ingalls: On the night of November 6, 2016, Bahl and Ingalls responded to a vessel in distress call at Windansea Beach. As a result of the extremely large surf, the boat capsized and ejected its five occupants into the water. Despite swallowing a lot of sea water -- a result of being hammered in the darkness by 10-12 foot waves -- Bahl continued with his rescue and pulled two of the victims to safety, while Ingalls braved the same harsh elements and rescued the other two. Unfortunately, the boat’s captain drowned. Bahl was also briefly hospitalized.

Scott Huckabey: On January 17, 2017, while working as a Senior Park Aid at Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huckabey observed a surfer floating face down in the ocean in 2-4 foot surf. Without rescue equipment or lifeguard training, Huckabey pulled the surfer, who it was later determined had suffered a heart attack, to shore and performed CPR on the surfer until lifeguards arrived. The surfer survived thanks to Huckabey’s quick thinking and lifesaving actions.

Photos, The California Surf Life Saving Association (CSLSA)