Mission Beach in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Charles W. Hardy
1909 - 1968
Photographed By Peter Bryan
1. First Professional Lifeguard Service Marker
One spring afternoon in 1913, thousands of sunbathers were enjoying the waters off San Diego when a powerful rip current suddenly swept more than sixty people out to sea. Despite heroic attempts by police, thirteen people drowned. This tragic event underscored the need for improved beach safety, as a result, the City of San Diego Lifeguard Service was created.
Charles "Chuck” W. Hardy, was born in 1909 and spent the majority of his life at the beach. Starting his career as a lifeguard for the Mission Beach Amusement Park, he joined the City of San Diego Lifeguard Service in 1930 and was appointed Captain in 1936. Under Captain Hardy's vigilant eye, generations of young men turned their love of the ocean into a lifesaving mission.
It was from the Mission Beach Lifeguard station that Captain Hardy often observed the sunset phenomenon called the "Green Flash", signaling the end of another day of keeping watch over the lives of those who ventured into the ocean.
Charles "Chuck" W. Hardy died in 1963 while still serving as Lifeguard Captain. Captain Hardy's leadership and inspiration resulted in countless lives being saved from the unpredictable currents of the Pacific Ocean. This park honors the memory of Charles "Chuck" W. Hardy and commemorates his contributions to the City of San Diego Lifeguard
this page online
Erected by United States Lifesaving Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Law Enforcement • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 32° 46.305′ N, 117° 15.17′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Mission Beach. Marker is on Ocean Front Walk, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located outside the restrooms on Ocean Front Walk and is most easily seen when heading south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3200 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego CA 92109, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ace Roller Coaster Landmark (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mission Beach Roller Coaster (about 400 feet away); The Ballad of P.B. (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Lifeguard (approx. 1.6 miles away); Ocean Beach Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); Market (approx. 1.7 miles away); Ocean Beach Municipal Pier (approx. 1.7 miles away); Strand Theater (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . Police Lifeguard Captain Charles W. Hardy (San Diego Police Historical Aasciation)
Photographed By Craig Baker
2. Charles W. Hardy Marker
The marker is on the corner of the building.
Additional keywords. Surf lifesaving, marine safety, emergency service, serch and rescue, public officer, drowning prevention, rip current, ocean lifeguard, beach and bay,
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2024, by Peter Bryan of San Diego, California. This page has been viewed 51 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on February 13, 2024, by Peter Bryan of San Diego, California. 2. submitted on February 20, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
