On Friday, Sept. 13, Newport Beach Mayor Hon. Joe Stapleton will undertake an ambitious 30-mile paddle across open ocean—from Catalina Island to Newport Beach—in support of the Ben Carlson Foundation, which honors the legacy of the heroic Newport Beach lifeguard who gave his life saving another in 2014.
Mayor Stapleton has been training rigorously for this challenge, completing 50 training paddles totaling over 450 miles in preparation for the ocean crossing. His goal: to raise both funds and awareness for ocean safety, lifeguard education, and the preservation of Ben Carlsons legacy.
“Ben was a symbol of strength, courage, and service. This paddle is my way of honoring his sacrifice and supporting a foundation that continues to inspire and protect lives through education and awareness,” said Stapleton…