San Diego Lifeguard Agency's Tragic Origin Story

Monday, May 6th, 1918. Ocean Beach, San Diego. 

The beaches are packed with thousands of families trying to beat the heat and enjoy the surf. Motorcycle patrolman Frank Merritt watches the waves from his bike, while local swimmer Arthur Wilson strolls along the sand, enjoying the sun.

Suddenly screams and cries for help cut through the usual beach hubbub. Merritt’s off his bike in a flash and tearing across the sand, toward the commotion. His blood runs cold at the sight of an unexpectedly strong and wide rip current, sucking dozens of swimmers out to sea.

Along with Merritt, the public wastes no time in diving straight into the action. More than 30 civilians risk their lives by tossing out lifelines and coordinating rescue efforts -- including our swimmer, Wilson.

As Merritt struggles to bring in the last unconscious swimmer to shore, his muscles give up and he flounders helplessly. Wilson, who had been helping from the shore, launches into the surf -- fully-clothed -- and helps both Merritt and the victim through sheer force of will. All three survived.

Others weren’t so lucky. 

Thirteen drowned that day, mainly servicemen. And though more than 60 others were saved by the valiant efforts of people like Merritt and Wilson, the public overwhelmingly believed these deaths to be avoidable.

The severity and suddenness of this tragedy spurred the creation of San Diego’s first lifeguard agency, placing the first three San Diego lifeguards by Wonderland Park, a popular boardwalk amusement park.

Pictured is the San Diego Lifeguard agency as it was in 1942, a stunning representation of how far rescue technology has come. Photo Credit: Del Mar Lifeguard

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