Long Beach
Fire Department

Fire Headquarters
3205 Lakewood Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90808
(562) 570-2500
8/9/2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 08082014
Subject:
SoCal PaddleDown for Cancer
Contact:
Jake Heflin
5627606950
Jacob.Heflin@longbeach.gov





Over the last few days, lifeguards from throughout Southern California, including Long Beach, gathered together for a good cause.  In an event known as the “SoCal PaddleDown for Cancer”, lifeguards from throughout the area set out 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.

 

The relay centers on the passing of a rescue buoy and a rashguard worn by lifeguards as they paddle through the waves enroute 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.

 

Today, the rescue buoy and rashguard made its journey through Long Beach waters from Cabrillo Beach.  Jeff Martinez, 28, an 8 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 4 mile leg to Seal Beach.

 

A great example of working together to support a worthy cause, additional information can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SocalPaddledown and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/socalpaddledown

 

If your are interested in making a donation to support your local lifeguards and the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, please visit www.johnwayne.org/blocktheblaze

 

For additional photos of the event, please visit the Long Beach Fire Department Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/111777573@N05/sets/72157645888030728/