10/12/2025
This week, the California Surf Lifesaving Association (CSLSA) and the OC Business Council recognized a few of our lifeguards for their outstanding bravery and swift action during two separate rescues last winter.
Heroic Act Award recipients:
- Dean Frizzell and Ellie Sherlock
On Dec 22, 2024, a large winter swell hit the California coast. Dean noticed a bodyboarder lose his board and was too tired to get back to shore on his own. Dean swam out and secured his rescue buoy to the victim while Ellie went out to assist in the rescue. Ellie, Dean, and the victim battled strong rip currents and 8-12 foot surf until they got dangerously close to the pier as a set of 10 waves started to break at the end of the pier, leaving them no choice but to thread the needle through the sharp barnacle-covered pier pilings. Ellie and Dean successfully made it back 3/4 of a mile down the beach with the victim from where the rescue first started, and there were no injuries.
-Brett Peoples, Beau Wade, and Chris Dominguez:
Dec 22, 2024, before sunset, Brett saw an individual enter the water on the south side of the pier, noting the person didn’t have proper gear given the conditions of 8-12 foot surf. Beau swam out to the victim through massive shore break to find they were struggling to stay above water, overestimating their ability. Brett assisted Beau, fighting the strong lateral currents pulling them towards the pier. Chris launched a jet ski from the beach and arrived at their location to pick up both lifeguards and the victim, preventing them from hitting the pier. All personnel made it safely to shore with no injuries, and the victim made a full recovery.
