Local lifeguards organize coastal swim to raise money for John Wayne Cancer Foundation

Last week, lifeguards from throughout Southern California, including Long Beach, gathered together for the SoCal PaddleDown for Cancer to raise money for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.
The event, a paddle-board relay, started at Gaviota Beach near Santa Barbara and is scheduled to finish at Imperial Beach south of San Diego. “At over 250 miles, this relay is a testament to the teamwork and comradery shared by lifeguards from throughout the area to support this worthy cause,” said Jake Heflin of the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD).
The relay centers on the passing of a rescue buoy and a rashguard worn by lifeguards as they paddle through the waves en route to their final destination at Imperial Beach. Each lifeguard agency along the route completes a specific leg of the journey through their jurisdiction. The paddler passes the rescue buoy and rashguard off to neighboring lifeguards who continue the effort.

Last Saturday, the rescue buoy and rashguard made their journey through Long Beach waters from Cabrillo Beach. Jeff Martinez, 28, an eight-year Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City lifeguard, paddled up to Long Beach Lifeguard Headquarters for the exchange. The rescue buoy and rashguard were passed off to awaiting Long Beach lifeguards, who then made their mark on the rescue buoy and continued the mission. James Applegate, 17, a seasonal lifeguard for Long Beach Fire/Marine Safety, then entered the water and continued his four-mile leg to Seal Beach.
Those interested in making a donation to support local lifeguards and the John Wayne Cancer Foundation can visit johnwayne.org/blocktheblaze .
For more information, visit facebook.com/SocalPaddledown or instagram.com/socalpaddledown .

Source: LBFD