Rod "R.O." Riehl

Rod "R.O." Riehl

Beach Lifeguard, Captain, and Supervisor

Guarded 1955-1973

When I was first hired as a Laguna Beach lifeguard in 1955, there were no swimming tests. The guards were mostly local boys who had lived along the beaches and were generally good ocean swimmers.

Carl Mays, who ran the local ambulance service, was the Chief Lifeguard. I don't know if Carl could even swim, as I never once saw him enter the water. Carl was given a contract by the city to hire and supervise the guards, who all worked on a seasonal basis. I believe we were selected by word of mouth, knowing Carl, or being recommended to him.

Our salary in 1955 was $1.25 per hour. We guarded from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. six days a week. We didn't have any towers or rescue equipment. We provided our own Churchill swim fins. I took my own beach umbrella and backrest to the beach, and set up a station at a good observation spot. If someone got in trouble we would pull on the fins, sprint across the beach, swim out and grab the victim by the arm, and sidestroke to shore.

One of our early uniforms I remember was the white "Waltah Clark" swim suit with a blue and red stripe down the side. We pinned a metal star-shaped lifeguard badge to the suit to make it official.

John Creed

John Creed

It was about l957 when for some reason the city decided to hold tryouts for lifeguard positions. Carl Mays was the Chief Life Guard and Dennis Jacobson was the Captain, neither of whom could swim 50 yards, so I don't think it was their decision. Perhaps, it was the city council trying to keep pace with other beach communities, who invited swimmers from all over S. Cal. to compete in their ocean swims. Phil Jones and I were roommates at San Diego State, and when the news of a two-mile swim began to circulate we both knew that we may not be guarding the next summer. If you had to swim a mile to save a drowning person you wouldn't make it anyway, so why the pretense? The Laguna lifeguards prided themselves on never losing a swimmer in their history and most of the guards were very proficient and reading the waves, currents, and other telltale signs of a person in danger. 95% of the rescues occurred on big S. swells when the shore break could plant you a few inches in the sand. On these occasions, the guard force was at its best.

None the less, Phil and I decided to give it a try, and along with Chad Burton, another famous non-swimmer entered the competition. Here were all these barracuda's lined up in Speedo's, thin as rails with long muscular bodies that could slice through the water like a dolphin fin. Phil, Chad and I had put on a little weight over the winter and it seemed like a mismatch from the start. As I recall, the water was very cold that day and the swim was to begin at the main tower and conclude down by Brooks St. We hit the water in a walk and began the long pull south towards Brooks. We did the sidestroke, the Ester Williams back stroke. We floated on our backs, did a little breaststroke, talked amongst ourselves, and had made little progress toward the finish. The barracudas had disappeared into the distance, leaving the old guard to fend for themselves. About the Hotel Laguna, while Phil was demonstrating his double backstroke, we voted to abandon this ridiculous effort ' take our lumps, and hope that we scored well on the oral part of the test.

The first question was put to me by Jake, the guard Captain, "What would you do if someone were washed off the rocks at Divers Cove?" I'm not sure what I said, but Jake looked at Dean Westgarrd and Rod Rhiel, the two second in commands, nodded knowingly and said, "That’s exactly right, your hired." Phil and Chad got the same treatment and I think we guarded another year or two, but the writing was on the wall, and we moved on to other dreams and aspirations.

As I look back on the whole experience, I have wonderful memories of being a Lifeguard in Laguna that I wouldn't trade for a million bucks. As the saying goes: its good to be lucky, but its better to have graduated from Laguna Beach High School.

John Creed

August 2004

Guarding in Laguna - 1944-46

Bob Lowell

Guarding in Laguna – 1944-46

My life guarding years in Laguna Beach were from 1944-1946; then I left for college on the east coast - US Navy Academy. At the time Charlie Plummer was captain and Bob Kellogg was assistant captain. We had a total of 8 guards. My area of responsibility was Crescent Bay and occasionally Diver’s Cove. We had very young (age wise) guards due to World War II. Black out was in effect. No street lights or car lights other than parking lights could be used. No beach fires – period! Guards were 100% responsible for cleaning the beach (trash, kelp and bottles). The bottles were super as the 3 cents rebate for Coke and Pepsi helped supplement our $5.00 per day from the city. To help make ends meet I also set pins at the bowling alley in the evenings. At Crescent Bay, it was truly a family atmosphere and seldom did we have any problems until the surf “acted up”. Then the real challenge – as the torpedo like orange colored metal cans were almost like a weapon! Large tackle boxes were our first aid “kits” – yes, we also had to stock our own first aid kits and we paid for the “goods”. We also had to furnish our own hats and swim suits. As like today, the girls were still in awe of a lifeguard and secretly we loved it!!!! Bottom line, being a lifeguard in Laguna Beach was a special time in my life. I was a Los Angeles boy only in the winter – Laguna was my family’s home since 1926. During President Nixon’s time in office – when the Western White House was operational – some of my military time was devoted to transporting dignitaries to/from Washington, D.C. – of course, staying in Laguna was always a “hardship”.

Having been an Air Force pilot and traveled most of the world, truly, there is NO PLACE in the world that has such beautiful coves and beaches. I retired to Laguna after 30 years in the military – it is special to live in Laguna.

Warm regards and best wishes,

Bob Lowell

July 20, 2004

A Moment in Time

Jeff Tresselt – A moment in Time

Hi Dale, here’s a highlight memory for me. 1978 salt creek lifeguard competion, 4 man paddleboard race, the swell is 6-8 feet. I'm standing by the water, pre-race. Indo Stark, Tommy Redwitz and Billy Brown, game faces on, looking down at me with a few words of encouragement. I think it went something like this. Ian, " Bro, I'll get the early lead, you just make sure you hang on to it!!! Tom, " Just keep paddling and don't look back!!! Billy didn't have to say anything his look said it all. The adrenalin is pumping; a sick feeling is welling up in my stomach. A mix of excitement and fear made my knees weak. I glance at the team next too us, Newport. Its LIncke, he catches and holds my gaze for what seemed an eternity. With a maniacal grin on his face he turns back toward his team and continues to tell them they better not let a 16-year-old rookie beat them. It was more than I could take. I didn't know whether to throw up or piss my pants, maybe I did both.

I can't even remember how it ended, but I will never forget those few precious moments of time. Those feelings of camaraderie, brotherhood and lifeguard family remain to this day. How fortunate we all are to have had an opportunity to be a part of the Laguna Beach Lifeguard Dept. I love you all.
Aloha,
Jeff Tresselt

Dick Johnson

By his wife, Jo Johnson

Everyone deserves a commendation for the work they do every day on the beaches, and as part of that brotherhood, Dick would want to share his recognition with that big embracing family.

On Victoria, as a youngster, I remember watching a lifeguard interact with a parent and thinking, “Boy! He’s a diplomat. That took a lot of patience, clear communication and tact!”

He set a good example for everyone, not just the kids. He was “our lifeguard” and we were proud of him.

The ripples of respect and understanding continue to reach beyond the immediate contacts. Beneath the laughter and camaraderie, runs a deeper river. Dick sends his love to all of you.

Respectfully, Jo

Resolution of Commendation

By

Board of Supervisors

County of Orange

Richard Johnson

On motion of Supervisor Riley, duly seconded and carried, the following Resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS, on December 21, 1981, Richard Johnson was working the concession stand at Aliso Beach Park, when he heard the cries of Steve Champion of Westminster who had been caught in the undercurrent and swept out to sea; and

WHEREAS, without a wet suit to protect him, Richard Johnson entered the cold water in an attempt to rescue the imperiled swimmer; and

WHEREAS, Johnson, an off-duty member of the International Lifeguard team which serve South County beaches, failed his first rescue effort, but continued in his lifesaving attempts despite the cold water, rough seas, strong winds and perilous riptides; and

WHEREAS, Richard Johnson concluded a 30-minute battle with the elements by pulling Steve Champion safely from the sea;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Supervisors does congratulate Richard Johnson for his professional work in saving a swimmer at Aliso Beach Park and further commends him for his courage and unselfishness in the face of danger in completing this successful rescue.

January 19, 1982

Supervisors:

Thomas F. Riley

Roger R. Stanton

Harriet M. Wieder

Bruce Nestande

Ralph B. Clark

Dick Johnson lifeguarded for Laguna from 1969 to 1979.

Dean Westgaard

Dean Westgaard

By Bill Sorrells

Dean Westgaard, now there was a man! He died of stomach cancer in his mid 50’s, one of the first guys to parachute off of Half Dome in Yosemite; that was on his 50^th birthday. Later when he lay dying, this big hulk of a man had shrunk to about a 100 pounds and he made the guys take him sky diving. One of Dean’s last wishes was to put on a spectacular sky diving show for the city that had been so good to him and his family. He organized that show and participated himself, even through he was so weak that he had to be helped into the plane and have his rip cord pulled by another jumper. The present lifeguard head quarters are dedicated to him. When we guarded together, he was like a big brother to us guys- “the boatman”. If I could go down 20’, he could go down 40’; not with any sense of bravado either, he just did it on a regular basis. He could single-handedly furnish the food for a lifeguard party with a few dives in the places he knew. Abalone, bugs, etc. I still see him rowing out up and over the oncoming surf and plopping on the other side like the Norse ancestors of his had done for hundreds of years. He didn’t just survive the surf, he taught it a lesson.

He always strove to keep lifeguards as a friendly, helpful presence on the beach while going about their official duties.

Dean loved kids. He was always ready to give them a few tips about the best fishing, diving, or body surfing – and if they doubted it he was out there demonstrating in his own inimitable way. Dean and Juanita brought their children up with the beach as a center of activity. First, Guy, then Scott, then Kurt, and finally Denise went through the stages of sand digging and wading to becoming skilled swimmers, surfers, divers, and volleyball players.

Dean worked to keep Laguna’s beach area open and well used. He was instrumental in keeping the basketball courts in the plans for the new Main Beach Park, because he knew the tremendous use that the old courts had received. He also strongly supported the acquisition of coastal parkland between Laguna and Corona del Mar.

Dean Westgaard guarded 16 years in the City of Laguna Beach, 1955 through 1970, one of the greats.

Al Mendez

Years: '75 - '81 "The / 2 years rookie program ("Danger Jack" Linkey /

Charlie Ware)

1975 coldest year on record for training... 47 degrees. Young, dumb & full

of c......

Beaches: Main, Picnic, Divers, Woods, E-Bay.

"Moved inland & got a job"

Best memories: Rookie workouts, La Bama party (Charlie Ware's b-day), BB King (Bill Brown), Bruce Baird (a classic), Lifeguard competitions (Brunswick "Bruno" / Mendez # 1 rowing team), naked pier jumps (w/ Steve McCormick's girlfriend), The "Dodger Run", Big Wednesday parties, buddy, buddy, buddies, girls, girls, girls!!!

Classic competition story: Brunswick / Mendez rowing the dory at the San Clemente comp on a red flag day. Last leg around the pier coming into the beach (huge set). Bruno: "oh shit Mendez, look at this set". "Row Bruno, row!!!" (Bruno rowed stern & I was bow) We couldn't make it out of the impact zone. We're now on the crest of a 12 - 15' wave when Bruno decides to bail off the back of the dory & shout: "see ya Mendez". Thanks Bruno.

Lifeguard buddies for life: Brick, Brunswick, Patterson & Houts

Classic buddy story: Jon Brick noticing a little crab on his leg while sitting on his tower. "I'm so huge... I am a true waterman... I've got sea life growing on me". True story!