Jack Armstrong's Ben Did Go 10.0 Paddle Fundraiser

Hello everyone! My name is Jack Armstrong and this summer, I’m honored to be participating in the Ben Did Go 10.0 paddle—an endurance paddle that goes far beyond just physical challenge. It’s a journey to honor a legacy, raise awareness, and support a cause that carries a deep emotional weight for our coastal community and beyond. The paddle is organized in memory of Ben Carlson, a hero whose courage, love for the ocean, and selfless service continue to inspire people like me to step up, speak out, and take action.

Ben Carlson wasn’t just a lifeguard. He was a dedicated waterman, an elite athlete, a teammate, and a beloved son, friend, and leader. On July 6, 2014—at the end of a particularly dangerous 4th of July weekend marked by huge surf and hundreds of rescues—Ben made the ultimate sacrifice. While patrolling beyond the break with fellow Newport Beach Lifeguard Gary Conwell, Ben spotted a swimmer in distress and didn’t hesitate to act. He jumped from the boat and swam through heavy surf to reach the man. Just as they began their return toward safety, a massive wave hit them, sending both underwater.

While the distressed swimmer eventually resurfaced and was rescued, Ben did not. A massive multi-agency search was launched, and after three agonizing hours, Ben’s body was recovered over half a mile away. He was just 32 years old—the first and only Newport Beach Lifeguard to lose his life in the line of duty since the department’s founding in 1923.

That moment sent shockwaves through the community, but it also sparked a movement—one that would become the Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation. The Foundation was formed by Ben’s family, friends, and fellow lifeguards to carry on his legacy and ensure his spirit would live on. Through scholarships, youth outreach, and improved safety initiatives, the foundation supports lifeguards and underserved children while promoting ocean safety and awareness. A beautiful statue now stands in Newport Beach as a permanent reminder of Ben’s heroism, passion, and sacrifice.

I didn’t know Ben personally, but the impact of his life and legacy has reached me in a profound way. His story is not only a reminder of the ocean’s beauty and danger—it’s a lesson in bravery, character, and the importance of serving others. That’s why I’m paddling 10 miles in his honor—not just as a physical test, but as a tribute to everything Ben stood for.

The Ben Did Go paddle represents much more than a sporting event. It’s a symbol of dedication and community. It’s about honoring those who run toward danger when others retreat, about recognizing lifeguards as true first responders, and about reminding ourselves that courage is measured not in words, but in action.

Personally, I hope to achieve several things through this paddle. First, I want to push myself—to feel discomfort, fatigue, and resistance, and still keep going. That’s what Ben did every day in his role. He faced rough seas not only in the literal sense, but in the responsibility of protecting lives, knowing that the ocean can change at any moment.

Second, I want to raise funds and awareness for the Ben Carlson Foundation. Every donation helps support scholarships, ocean safety programs, and equipment to protect future lifeguards and the people they serve. This foundation isn't just preserving Ben’s name—it's saving lives and creating opportunities, especially for kids who may not otherwise have access to safe beaches or water education.

Lastly, I want to inspire others—friends, family, and anyone who hears this story—to find their own way to live with purpose. Ben’s motto was simple but powerful: Ben Did Go. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t hold back. He went—into the water, into danger, into life. I want to bring that mindset into everything I do, and I hope that through this paddle, I can encourage others to do the same.

As I prepare for the 30-mile paddle, I’ll be thinking about that day in 2014. I’ll be thinking about the strength of Ben’s family, the bravery of his fellow lifeguards, and the legacy that continues to grow from one courageous act. I’ll think about the power of community and how, when we rally behind a cause, we can create something lasting and beautiful—even out of tragedy.

To everyone reading this, I’d love your support. Whether you’re able to donate, share the cause, or just send encouragement, you’re helping keep Ben’s memory alive and making a difference. Let’s paddle with purpose. Let’s honor Ben. Let’s go!