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THE LIFEGUARD
On Sunday, May 5, 1918, 13 lives were lost here, including 11 soldiers and sailors stationed at Camp
Kearny North Island and Point Loma. The rip currents were caused by unusual conditions of tides near
the entrance to Mission Bay. Police Lifeguard Louis Chauvaurd made several unheeded warnings to
the soldiers and effected rescues before he fell exhausted. Police Lifeguards Glen Fresca, Frank
Gilroy and Frank Merritt all made several rescues. Citizens and soldiers were called upon to make
rescues including Henry Hanson who valiantly saved the lives of 5 swimmers before losing his own.
Over 60 lives were saved. As a result of this tragedy the City of San Diego provided additional
lifeguard staffing and equipment leading to the development of the Lifeguard Services today.
This memorial was placed here in 2013 by the San Diego Lifesaving Association and the citizens
of San Diego in honor of San Diego Lifeguards and to memorialize the men who lost their lives.
Ralph Braby • Hugh E. Burr • Emerson Donaldson • Henry P. Hanson • Herman Haube
L. H. Killingsworth • Frank Mitten • Charles Monroe Humphrey • Chalmer L. Polllitt
Marcus Regil • Fred W. Sanborn • Jesus Satoyo • Granville Taylor
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Robert Baxley (1934-2005), a former Ocean Beach lifeguard, respected waterman, author and judge
provided the vision for the establishment of this bronze. In 2010 a task force was created led by Neil Moyer,
Jim ‘Mouse’ Robb, Julie Klein, Richard Arnold, Lt. Greg Buchanan and former Councilmember Byron Wear
to organize the community effort.
In appreciation for major gifts to the Captain Charles W. Hardy Memorial Fund
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