By Mitch Ridder, Special to the Independent
The Laguna Beach Lifeguard Association celebrated the contributions of five former lifeguards at a reunion last Saturday, July 16, four of whom have died in the last 12 months.
About 250 current and former guards remembered the dedicated service and beach knowledge of Earle Wellsfry, Norm Anderson, Curtis Ware, Greg Gaynor and Dale Ghere. Ghere alone was present, honored for creating and developing in 1968 of the department’s rookie lifeguard training program, with many of Ghere’s ideas still in use today.
Proceeds from the event will be used by the Lifeguard Association to create a memorial in the future replacement lifeguard headquarters at Main Beach honoring past Laguna lifeguards.
The party, which included a performance of surf music and classic rock, took place at Contino Point and was hosted by former Laguna lifeguard Michael Contino.
Local resident and photographer Mitch Ridder is a longtime Laguna lifeguard.
