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Newport Beach Dedicates Headquarters To Fallen Lifeguard

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — It was an emotional day in Newport Beach on Sunday as family and friends of Ben Carlson gathered to reveal a very special tribute — the Benjamin M. Carlson lifeguard headquarters was officially named for the man who gave his life here to save another last summer.

"It's unbelievable to just realize the recognition that our son's gotten through all of this, we're just so appreciative," Carlson's father, Chris Carlson, told CBS2's Adrianna Weingold.

Ben Carlson, 32, died on July 6 while rescuing a swimmer off Newport Beach. He was a 15-year veteran lifeguard, a big-wave surfer, and the first and only Newport Beach lifeguard to die in the line of duty.

"He loved being on the beach, he loved talking to other guards and the public, and helping others,"said Newport Beach's chief lifeguard, Rob Williams. "He made hundreds if not thousands of rescues in his career."

The headquarters dedication was just one part of Sunday's activities. Competitive tryouts for seasonal lifeguards were also held in the morning, and Ben's dad was there to kick off the race for a new group of men and women to carry on the legacy of service and hard work his son left behind.

"This Newport Beach community has just been outstanding," Chris Carlson said. "We've really seen the best in people through the course of this, and it's been a lot easier to bear up as a result."

Weingold reported that the Carlson family has also started the Ben Carlson Foundation to raise money for lifeguard scholarships.

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