The California Surf Lifesaving Association (CSLSA) will honor Santa Cruz Fire Department Marine Safety Officer Brendan Daly with its Medal of Valor award after he led a rescue attempt last summer in the surf off West Cliff Drive.
On July 10, 2024, at 6:15 p.m., a 911 distress call requested a water rescue for two victims in the ocean off West Cliff Drive and David Way, a rocky stretch known among local lifeguards as “Death Rocks.” A strong south swell off swept the victims, a pregnant woman and a man, off the rocks and into the ocean.
Daly responded to the call and entered the water solo. Even after sustaining injuries during the rocky entry, Daly was able to reach the unresponsive victims, swimming with them against the current and wind.
Lifeguard Carter Baginski arrived to assist Daly, and together they determined that the coast was too dangerous, bringing both victims farther out to sea to meet the a boat dispatched by Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol. Rescue swimmers Nathan Rodger and Dave Bodine from the SCFD then paddled out to assist, lifting the victims onto the boat. CPR was performed for an hour in an attempt to resuscitate the victims, but both ultimately died.
In addition to Daly’s award, Baginski was set to receive the CSLSA’s Heroic Act award and Bodine and Rodger to receive the CSLSA’s Meritorious Act award in a ceremony Thursday in Ventura.
For further information and additional rescue narratives, visit cslsa.org.
Have news that should be in Lookout Briefs? Send your press releases, including contact information, to news@lookoutlocal.com.
