How Tragedy and a Russian Forged the World’s Greatest Lifeguard Department

What does it take to build one of the most elite lifeguard departments in the world? In Newport Beach, it began with tragedy, dangerous waters, and an unlikely immigrant who believed drownings were preventable. In this talk, former lifeguard and Newport Beach historian laureate Bill Lobdell tells the story of how vision, innovation, and persistence shaped a world-class lifesaving institution. More than 100 years ago, the Newport Beach harbor entrance claimed dozens of lives. Early efforts to form a lifeguard service failed, including one group of “lifesavers” who could not swim. Into this environment came Antar “Tony” Deraga, a Russian immigrant and Crimean War veteran who saw a different future. From his meteorological station atop Lookout Point, Deraga studied ocean conditions and patterns of disaster. He became the town’s de facto lifeguard and pushed for structure, training, and professionalism at a time when none existed. By introducing rigorous standards and early innovations, including the use of aircraft for observation, he helped transform a loose effort into one of the first professional lifeguard departments in the U.S. by 1923, setting a standard that still defines Newport Beach today. What you will walk away withYou’ll leave this evening program with a clear understanding of why Newport’s coastline was so deadly, how early rescue efforts failed, and how Tony Deraga’s leadership helped create modern lifeguarding standards. About Bill LobdellBill Lobdell is Newport Beach’s first historian laureate and creator of “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror,” a popular video series and podcast about the city’s history. His work has generated over eight million views and more than 50,000 downloads. A former editor of the Daily Pilot and award-winning investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times, he is also the author of Losing My Religion. He lives in Corona del Mar. Cost: Member $10 Non-Member $20 Purchase Tickets