The Lifeguard Project

Drasko Bogdanovic

Presented by the Ben Carlson Foundation: The Lifeguard Project discusses a serious rescue profession which is often misrepresented. It aims to educate and inspire through showcasing innately captivating experiences of lifeguards which invoke a unique awareness of life. You dont have to be a lifegaurd to enjoy these conversations which are aimed at inspiring future generations, improving the perception of lifeguarding, and facilitating perspective for the better. Any conversation is on the table which involves stories of rescues, education, inspiration, drowning prevention, lifeguarding and the broader water community. Host Drasko Bogdanovic has been a beach Lifeguard since 2010 throughout California, Lifeguard Instructor, Paramedic, and teaches EMT and Paramedic courses. The Lifeguard Project Podcast is connected to the broader documentary project where you can see photos and videos of these subjects as never seen before. Find out more: thelifeguardproject.org

  1. 15H AGO

    Dr. Justin Sempsrott: The Drowning Episode, Everything You Thought You Knew, and More. (PART 1) | Ep.20 |

    WANT TO SEE JUSTIN SEMPSROTT LIVE? Sign up for The Lifeguard Project’s first training event, The RESPONDER ROUND-UP: https://thelifeguardproject.org/the-responder-roundup These episodes are a must listen for anyone curious about all things drowning. From professionals to public. Dr. Justin Sempsrott is an emergency medicine physician and drowning specialist who’s spent the last two decades advancing drowning resuscitation. We split this episode into a two part recording in order to discuss in detail everything from physiology to advancements in care, global policy, studies, science, and every aspect of drowning management from prevention, to water rescue, conscious victims, and all the way to the hospital. Justin's extensive experience is a valuable asset to the lifeguard project podcast as it makes our community in tune with the latest updates in the world of water rescue and drowning prevention. Justin started as a beach lifeguard in Jacksonville Beach, Florida in 1996. In 2006, he co-founded Lifeguards Without Borders after seeing the massive and preventable global burden of drowning, especially in low- and middle-income countries. He’s provided consultation, training, and medical education across the world working with lifeguards, nurses, physicians, and responders in places like Peru, Portugal, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Australia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Canada, and beyond. In the last five years alone, Justin has lectured on drowning resuscitation to more than 10,000 prehospital providers including U.S. Air Force PJ’s, Navy SEALs, and other special operations medics. He has also helped spearhead numerous studies which have become the latest science for industry wide as well as statewide drowning protocols, most recently in San Luis Obispo County and in conjunction with the Lifeguard Project. He also brings experience from wilderness medicine and mass gathering medicine, serving as Associate Medical Director for the Burning Man Medical Operations and continues to work in several emergency departments. 00:00 Meet Dr Justin Sempsrott 01:34 Early Life Overseas 03:29 Childhood Drowning Scare 06:53 Lifeguarding Beginnings 08:45 From Beach to Med School 11:49 First Major Rescue 13:47 Finding the Drowning Community 17:27 Global Drowning Reality Check 19:53 Bangladesh Data and Daycares 23:07 Defining Drowning Properly 27:58 Prevention and Behavior Change 32:52 Resuscitation Priorities for Drowning 40:40 Oxygen First on Scene 51:00 Cross Training First Responders 52:25 Preplanning With Lifeguards 52:51 Don’t Break What Works 54:19 Micro Delays Matter 55:05 Salt Vs Fresh Water 56:18 Antibiotics And Myths 57:33 Cold Water Realities 01:00:14 Rescue To Recovery Calls 01:04:38 Laryngospasm Explained 01:10:40 Foam Cough And Triage 01:16:25 Delayed Drowning Debunked 01:18:14 Airway Tools Priorities 01:25:29 Ventilator Strategy Basics 01:27:20 Updating Drowning Protocols 01:37:30 Final Thoughts Thanks for listening! Check out these links for more! Drowning Presentation 2024 AHA Drowning Guidelines Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation: https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/ Subscribe to the Podcast Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682 https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t https://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/ https://thelifeguardproject.org/ Host, Drasko Bogdanovic: https://www.bogdogphoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/ drowning resuscitation, drowning prevention, drowning science, drowning definition update, near drowning definition change, lifeguard CPR rescue breathing, oxygen first drowning protocol, BVM ventilation in drowning, foam and vomiting in drowning, jaw thrust airway management, compression-only CPR vs drowning CPR, pediatric drowning prevention, Lifeguards Without Borders, global drowning statistics, water safety education, EMS drowning protocols Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

    1h 44m
  2. 12/23/2025

    Don Lester: Inside the World of Swift Water Rescue | Ep.19 |

    Don Lester is a veteran swift water and technical rescue professional with extensive field experience across firefighting, emergency medical response, and advanced rescue instruction. Over the course of his career, Don logged more than 150 days per season on the water and served as both a Swift Water Rescue instructor and a Rescue 3 International instructor trainer. Known for his thoughtful and disciplined approach, Don emphasizes continuous learning and risk awareness in dynamic water environments. This episode is essential listening for lifeguards, firefighters, river professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of water rescue safety. 00:00 Introduction 00:08 Meet Don Lester: Swiftwater, Technical Rescue Expert 00:53 A Day on the American River 01:10 Don's Early Life and Rafting Beginnings 01:40 Innovations in Rafting and Early Adventures 06:31 Guiding and Professional Development 08:12 Pioneering Whitewater and Rescue Techniques 19:59 Teaching Philosophy and Influences 29:02 Lifeguard Training and Swift Water Rescue 36:00 Throw Bag Rescue Techniques 36:52 Mindset Differences: Lifeguards vs. Firefighters 38:09 Balancing Planning and Action in Rescues 40:21 A Real-Life Rescue Story 46:20 The Importance of Training and Experience 54:40 Creating Effective Rescue Teams 01:13:31 The Evolution of Emergency Medicine 01:14:26 Learning from Real-World Experiences 01:15:42 Challenges and Adaptations in Rescue Training 01:17:46 The Complexities of Tsunami and Flood Rescues 01:23:55 Mental Health in Rescue Work 01:27:15 The Importance of Practice and Preparedness 01:35:49 Old Growth Rescue: A New Initiative 01:38:57 Final Thoughts Read More About Don Here: https://oldgrowthrescue.com/ Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation: https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/ Subscribe to the Podcast Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682 https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t https://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/ https://thelifeguardproject.org/ Host, Drasko Bogdanovic: https://www.bogdogphoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/ #SwiftWaterRescue #LifeguardPodcast #FirstResponderTraining #TheLifeguardProjectPodcast #BenCarlsonFoundation #WaterRescue #RiverRescue #LifeguardLife #FirstResponders #FirefighterTraining #EMTLife #TechnicalRescue #RescueTraining #RiverGuide #FloodRescue #WaterSafety #SearchAndRescue #EmergencyResponse #RescueMindset #OceanSafety Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

    1h 44m
  3. 11/11/2025

    Greg Bonann: Producer of Baywatch | Ep.18 |

    Welcome to a very special episode on the Lifeguard Project podcast. Today, we get to sit down with Greg Bonann, the creator and producer of Baywatch. At its peak, Baywatch became the most-watched television show in the world, airing in over 140 countries and reaching more than a billion viewers each week. Today, Greg shares his journey from his early start as a kid facing challenges to his first rescues as an LA County lifeguard. Moments that shaped his purpose long before Hollywood came calling. And now 30 years later, Baywatch is returning in 2026 with Greg once again leading the charge, bringing in a new vision, while staying true to the show's roots of courage, community, and rescue. 00:00 Introduction to Greg Bonann and Baywatch 01:13 Greg's Early Life and Challenges 04:04 High School Swimming and Lifeguarding Beginnings 09:13 Mentorship and Lifeguard Training 21:18 The Lifeguard Brotherhood and Early Experiences 28:30 The Birth of a Storyteller 31:51 The Rescue That Sparked Baywatch 42:32 A Desperate Rescue 43:04 The Struggle to Save a Life 45:10 A Happy Ending and Reflections 46:18 The Frustration of Storytelling 46:52 Baywatch's Early Challenges 48:18 The Lifeguard's Journey 51:40 Junior Lifeguard Program 59:03 The Road to Red 01:06:27 The Importance of Mentorship 01:10:29 Baywatch's Global Impact 01:23:21 Pam's Underwater Training 01:23:53 Lifeguard Training and Challenges 01:25:06 Baywatch's Impact and Recognition 01:27:22 Authenticity in Lifeguard Representation 01:30:37 Challenges in TV Production 01:33:50 Baywatch's Legacy and Future 01:45:46 Personal Reflections and Future Goals Read More About Greg Here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_J._Bonann Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation: https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/ Subscribe to the Podcast Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682 https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t https://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/ https://thelifeguardproject.org/ Host, Drasko Bogdanovic: https://www.bogdogphoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

    1h 57m
  4. 10/15/2025

    Steve Long: Life, Leadership, and a Career in Lifeguarding | Ep.17 |

    Today I interview Steve Long. Steve was a California State Parks lifeguard, and maybe the only lifeguard who never passed lifeguard training yet was chosen by leadership to Excel and fast track into leadership roles throughout his career. Steve worked in the golden age of lifeguarding in California and ended up as a supervising peace officer for California State Parks in the San Clemente area. Steve and I discuss, not just lifeguarding, but some of his personal philosophy on life and much, much more as always. 00:00 Introduction to Steve Long's Lifeguard Journey 01:18 Early Life and Passion for Swimming 04:09 College Years and Military Aspirations 08:31 The Decision to Pursue Lifeguarding 12:55 First Encounters with State Lifeguard Training 17:51 Becoming a Permanent Lifeguard 23:16 Fast-Tracking Through Lifeguard Roles 27:01 Memorable Experiences and Challenges 36:08 A Lifeguard's First Experience with Death 37:07 Rapid Career Advancement 40:04 Challenges and Tensions on the Beach 41:43 Becoming a Lifeguard Supervisor 46:23 Navigating Interjurisdictional Operations 51:35 Raising a Family in the Park 55:32 Returning to Lifeguarding 59:44 The Unique Role of Lifeguards 01:04:47 Balancing Work and Family 01:10:39 Encouraging the Next Generation 01:14:54 Rusty's Journey in Surfing and Career 01:15:34 Impact of Lifeguarding on Family and Career 01:16:34 Lifeguarding as a Metaphor for Life 01:18:34 The High Calling of Lifeguarding 01:21:30 Greg's Big Wave Incident 01:27:48 The Evolution of Lifeguarding Profession 01:28:46 The LA County Lifeguard Walkout 01:36:22 Advice for Future Lifeguards 01:42:29 Preserving San Onofre and Environmental Stewardship 01:48:32 Final Thoughts Link To The San Onofre Parks Foundation: https://sanoparks.org Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation: https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/ Subscribe to the Podcast Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682 https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t https://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/ https://thelifeguardproject.org/ Host, Drasko Bogdanovic: https://www.bogdogphoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

    2h 11m
  5. 09/09/2025

    John Carpenter: 100 years of Newport Beach Lifeguard History | Ep.16 |

    Welcome to this episode of the Lifeguard Project Podcast, where I interview Newport Beach, lifeguard John Carpenter. John started as a YAP or Youth Employment Program in 1969 and has served with the Newport Beach Lifeguard Service for 50 years, from 1970 to 2020. During his time, he had certain accolades like training instructor for the Rookie Training Academy Lifeguard of the Year in 1985. Cadet program coordinator, all American swimmer at Costa Mesa High School in 1971, Orange Coast College National Champion in water polo in 1972, and has been a biology teacher for 40 years as well as a water polo and swim coach at Estancia High School. John and I get into some really interesting facts about the inception of the lifeguard service in Newport Beach when I watched him do his centennial presentation of the a hundred year anniversary of the Newport Beach. Lifeguards, John and I go through the entire history as well as some of his own personal stories. I hope you enjoy this episode, and thanks as always for listening.  00:00 Introduction to John Carpenter and His Lifeguard Career 01:02 John's Early Lifeguard Experiences and Inspirations 02:58 The Humbling First Tryout 04:37 Overcoming Challenges and Proving Himself 11:08 The Evolution of the YEP Program 14:11 History of Newport Beach Lifeguard Service 25:14 Early Lifeguard Training and Equipment Innovations 33:57 Mechanization and Modernization of Lifeguard Services 43:13 Essential Gear for Jetty Rescues 43:59 Navigating Dangerous Rock Areas 44:27 Challenges of Lifeguarding Near Rocks 46:11 Modern Lifeguard Training and Techniques 47:19 Historical Lifeguard Innovations 49:32 Helicopter Rescues and Training 57:30 Early Lifeguarding Days and Equipment 01:03:56 Surfboard Licenses and Blackball Flags 01:12:31 Project Wipe Out and Preventative Measures 01:22:30 A Close Call and a Successful Rescue 01:22:56 The Importance of Beach Education 01:23:51 A Frightening Encounter with Negligent Parents 01:25:55 The Dangers of Sand Entrapment 01:27:00 A Lifeguard's Lifelong Vigilance 01:34:00 Reflecting on a Lifeguard Career 01:38:53 The Legacy of Lifeguarding 01:51:33 Advice for New Guards Link To John's Powerpoint: https://1drv.ms/p/c/2e013de102312bc0/ETs8_kjKnaZIvNHhGHmFv2IBpAcsXO7Z58nHd6be630Bqw?e=dsRP7b Presented by The Ben Carlson Foundation: https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/bencarlson_foundation/ Subscribe to the Podcast Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lifeguard-project/id1748861682 https://open.spotify.com/show/7EoZTDiET6jJ6XJ1g5X54t https://www.instagram.com/thelifeguardproject/ https://thelifeguardproject.org/ Host, Drasko Bogdanovic: https://www.bogdogphoto.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bogdogphoto/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-lifeguard-project/donations

    1h 60m
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Presented by the Ben Carlson Foundation: The Lifeguard Project discusses a serious rescue profession which is often misrepresented. It aims to educate and inspire through showcasing innately captivating experiences of lifeguards which invoke a unique awareness of life. You dont have to be a lifegaurd to enjoy these conversations which are aimed at inspiring future generations, improving the perception of lifeguarding, and facilitating perspective for the better. Any conversation is on the table which involves stories of rescues, education, inspiration, drowning prevention, lifeguarding and the broader water community. Host Drasko Bogdanovic has been a beach Lifeguard since 2010 throughout California, Lifeguard Instructor, Paramedic, and teaches EMT and Paramedic courses. The Lifeguard Project Podcast is connected to the broader documentary project where you can see photos and videos of these subjects as never seen before. Find out more: thelifeguardproject.org