Newport Beach lifeguard who drowned always had a smile, mother says

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- The mother of a Newport Beach lifeguard who drowned as he rescued a swimmer shared memories of her son on Monday.

Ben Carlson's mother did not want to speak on-camera, but she told Eyewitness News the 32-year-old bachelor loved to surf, and always had a smile on his face.

Carlson graduated with a psychology degree from UC Irvine, his mother said. The 15-year lifeguard veteran died Sunday. He is the first Newport Beach lifeguard to die in the line of duty in more than 100 years.

People dropped off flowers outside the Newport Beach lifeguard headquarters on Monday to honor Carlson.

"It's a tragic loss, and it's a reminder that the ocean is a dangerous place, that people take it a little too lightly at times, and we never would have expected any of our life guards to have this happen to, especially a guy like Ben," said Rob Williams, chief lifeguard for Newport Beach Fire.

High surf and strong rip currents had lifeguards making hundreds of rescues over the weekend. Authorities say Carlson jumped from a lifeguard boat when he noticed a swimmer in trouble. During the rescue, a large set of waves 10 to 12 feet came in.

Everyone resurfaced, except Carlson. His body was located after a three hour search.

As a show of respect, three life guard boats passed by the pier around noon. The flag is also raised at half-staff.

"I have a lot of respect for the lifeguards. My kids went through junior lifeguard program down here at Newport Beach, and I have utmost respect, my kids have utmost respect, and it's just, it's devastating," said Kathy Shaw of Newport Beach.

Funeral plans for Carlson are in progress.