Point Loma in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Lifeguard

Photographed by Adam Margolis, July 9, 2022

1. The Lifeguard Marker

Inscription. 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

Robert Baxley (1934-2005), a former Ocean Beach lifeguard, respected waterman, author and judge provided the vision for the

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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

Erected 2013 by San Diego Lifesaving Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Disasters • Law Enforcement • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1918.

Location. 32° 44.934′ N, 117° 15.155′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Point Loma. It can be reached from Santa Monica Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 281 Santa Monica Ave, San Diego CA 92107, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ocean Beach Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Market (about 700 feet away); Ocean Beach Municipal Pier (about 800 feet away); Strand Theater (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ocean Beach Elementary School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Belmont Park (approx. 1½ miles away); Mission Beach Roller Coaster (approx. 1½ miles away); Giant Dipper (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, July 9, 2022

2. The Lifeguard Marker

Photographed by Adam Margolis, July 9, 2022

3. The Lifeguard Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 25, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.