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The Lifeguard Project

Drasko Bogdanovic
Lifeguarding
Drowning
Baywatch
Ben Carlson Foundation
San Diego, United States
Watchtower
California State Parks
Women In Lifeguarding
CPR
Swift Water Rescue
Newport Beach Lifeguard Department
Water Safety
United States Lifesaving Association
Sonoma Coast
Lifeguard
Public Health
Manhattan Beach
Stories From Sea Level
Huntington Beach Lifeguards
Drowning Resuscitation

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 percep... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes29Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureDocumentary

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Artwork for The Lifeguard Project

Latest Episodes

WANT TO SEE JUSTIN SEMPSROTT LIVE? Sign up for The Lifeguard Project’s first training event, The RESPONDER ROUND-UP:

thelifeguardproject.org/the-responder-roundup

This week we are back with Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Justin Sempsrott... more

WANT TO SEE JUSTIN SEMPSROTT LIVE? Sign up for The Lifeguard Project’s first training event, The RESPONDER ROUND-UP:

thelifeguardproject.org/the-responder-roundup

These episodes are a must listen for anyone curious about all things drowning... more

YouTube

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 s... more

YouTube

Lifeguard Legend Ed Vodrazka (Eddie V) recites the inspirational epilogue from his book - Stories from Sea Level.

This book is a hand-picked assemblage of truly exceptional ocean-related events which occurred within the 50-year span between 1969 and... more

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Recent Guests

Dr. Justin Sempsrott
Emergency medical physician and drowning specialist
Lifeguards Without Borders / University of South Florida
Episode: Dr. Justin Sempsrott: The Drowning Episode, Everything You Thought You Knew, and More (PART 1) | Ep.20 |
Don Lester
Swift Water Rescue and training expert
Self-identified in rescue training circles
Episode: Don Lester: Inside the World of Swift Water Rescue | Ep.19 |
Eddie V
Author of Stories from Sea Level
Episode: | S.5 | Expression Session: Inspiring Epilogue from "Stories from Sea Level" by Ed Vodrazka
Greg Bonann
Producer/Creator of Baywatch
Baywatch (NBC, Fremantle)
Episode: Greg Bonann: Producer of Baywatch | Ep.18 |
Steve Long
Former California State Parks lifeguard and supervisor peace officer
California State Parks
Episode: Steve Long: Life, Leadership, and a Career in Lifeguarding | Ep.17 |
Emily Eisenberg
Rescue survivor featured in Manhattan Beach incident
Resident of Los Angeles, CA
Episode: | R.1 | Rescue Testimonial | Caught in a Rip Current : Manhattan Beach, CA
John Carpenter
Former Newport Beach Lifeguard, centennial presenter, YEP/Cadet program leader
Newport Beach Lifeguard Department
Episode: John Carpenter: 100 years of Newport Beach Lifeguard History | Ep.16 |
Mike Martino
California State Parks lifeguard, aquatic specialist, and historian of lifeguarding on the Sonoma Coast
California State Parks
Episode: Mike Martino: Pioneers of the Sonoma Coast | Ep.15 |
David Rodriguez
Co-founder of Watchtower, lifeguard and firefighter
Watchtower
Episode: David Rodriguez: Watchtower and Lifeguard Data | Ep.14 |

Host

Drasko Bogdanovic
Host of The Lifeguard Project.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 42 ratings
  • A legit lifeguard podcast

    Great podcast about the unknown lives of ocean lifeguards, including stories and education from the beach. Conversations normally had in a lifeguard truck, over beers around a campfire, or in hotel rooms at LG training, Drasko brings his guests on and allows these conversations to be heard by everyone.

    I’m surprised there’s no mention of coffee or maté though, since that’s how most great yarns are spun.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    T00B5
    United Statesa year ago
  • Awesome podcast.

    A great listen about the behind the scenes of lifeguarding. Highly recommend.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rob Phelps
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audiences appreciate the host's approachable style and guest expertise for learning and sponsorship fit.
Fans praise authentic, field-based storytelling that highlights lifeguarding realities.
Listeners value the mix of rescue stories and practical safety discussions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Andrew Schmidt: A Deeper Understanding Of Drowning | Ep.12 |
Q: What changes would you like to see in protocols and data collection around drowning?
Develop drowning-specific protocols, ensure consistent data capture from scene to hospital, and build integrated data ecosystems across lifeguards, EMS, and hospitals to improve prevention and treatment outcomes.
Andrew Schmidt: A Deeper Understanding Of Drowning | Ep.12 |
Q: What is the core message you want lifeguards to understand during a drowning call?
The core message is that drowning is primarily about hypoxia and brain injury; act fast to restore oxygen delivery—the first five to ten minutes are critical for neurological outcomes.
Don Lester: Inside the World of Swift Water Rescue | Ep.19 |
Q: Where did you grow up and how did that shape your exposure to water?
Don Lester explains growing up near outdoor recreation in California, with his father involved in early rafting programs that introduced him to water safety, paddling, and river work from a young age, which laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to rescue and teaching.
Steve Long: Life, Leadership, and a Career in Lifeguarding | Ep.17 |
Q: What was the hardest part about the drowning incident early in your leadership phase?
He describes trusting the team, managing the scene with compassion for the family, and taking charge as the new leader in a traumatic situation, which became a catalyst for his leadership style.
Steve Long: Life, Leadership, and a Career in Lifeguarding | Ep.17 |
Q: How did you finally get hired after the initial interviews and delays?
After multiple interviews and a near-miss due to back issues, he was offered a permanent position on the spot, then immediately subjected to rookie training; this pivotal moment solidified his commitment to lifeguarding.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Lifeguard Project

What is The Lifeguard Project about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series centers on real-world lifeguarding with a focus on prevention, resilience, and public safety. Across episodes, listeners hear in-depth conversations about drowning science, high-risk rescues, training philosophies, and the evolving role of lifeguards within broader emergency response systems. The show blends field storytelling with practical takeaways—ranging from data-driven prevention and protocol updates to personal journeys through rescue work, leadership, and community education. A notable throughline is bridging frontline experiences with broader public awareness, including historical perspectives, technology's impact on operations, and the enduring mission to save lives at the water's edge.

What makes this program stand ... more

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How many listeners does The Lifeguard Project get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Lifeguard Project?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Lifeguard Project:

1. Jocko Podcast
2. Cleared Hot - Powered By BRCC
3. PINCH MY SALT
4. Freakonomics Radio
5. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

How many episodes of The Lifeguard Project are there?

The Lifeguard Project launched 2 years ago and published 29 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Lifeguard Project?

Recent guests on The Lifeguard Project include:

1. Dr. Justin Sempsrott
2. Don Lester
3. Eddie V
4. Greg Bonann
5. Steve Long
6. Emily Eisenberg
7. John Carpenter
8. Mike Martino

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