Southern California lifeguard drowns during rescue attempt

A lifeguard drowned while trying to rescue a swimmer off a Southern California beach.

Ben Carlson, 32, was found in the water by lifeguards after a long, three-hour search. Newport Beach Fire Department Chief Scott Poster spoke about the tragedy and the lifeguard who died while trying to save someone.

Poster said, "Ben was a well-respected individual, always a nice guy, always was there to help somebody. He'd give his shirt off his back at anytime," according to the Associated Press.

Poster said that Carlson went into the water on Sunday. Carlson entered the water at 5PM. The swimmer made it back to the shore safely, but Carlson was hit by waves and then disappeared, according to the LA Times. At first, the rescue team was unable to find Carlson who disappeared under 10-foot waves while attempting to rescue the swimmer. He was eventually found at about 8PM.

The National Weather Service gave warnings about difficult conditions, including rip currents and high surf. The waves were also challenging off Long Beach.

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