The Robert J. Isenor Award: A Legacy of Lifesaving
The Robert J. Isenor Award honors the first Chief of the California State Lifeguard Service. Born in Huntington Beach in 1924, Isenor served in the Navy during World War II, surviving two ship sinkings. He began his career as a Newport Beach Lifeguard before being recruited by California State Parks in 1950 to build a Lifeguard Service from the ground up at the newly opened Huntington State Beach.
Isenor oversaw significant growth, expanding the service to 40 locations by 1970, including ocean beaches, lakes, and reservoirs. He established training programs, Jr. Lifeguard Programs, and advocated for lifeguards to become Peace Officers. Though known for his demanding nature, his unwavering commitment to lifesaving and his team was undeniable. He retired in 1983 and passed away in 2000 at 76. Isenor's legacy endures in today's State Park Lifeguard Service, the organization he founded. The award recognizes his dedication, tenacity, and steadfast belief in the obligation to keep the public safe, a testament to the impressive legacy he left for California.
The Robert J. Isenor Award is presented to men and women whose contributions to lifesaving extended beyond the borders of their workplace. Award winners excelled at being a lifeguard, and cast their work ethic, influence and focus on those who came in contact with them. They were men and women with a vision, not just for personal gain, but for the profession of open water lifesaving, always striving to better themselves and their vocation. The Isenor Award stands as a monument to it’s namesake, the highest honor that can be granted to a California State Park Lifeguard.
Robert J. Isenor Award Recipients
The David A. Perry Distinguished Service Award
The David A. Perry Distinguished Service Award honors Dave Perry, who began his 30-year career as a California State Lifeguard in 1974. After starting at Silverwood Lake, he transferred to San Clemente State Beach and became a Permanent Lifeguard Peace Officer in 1979. He developed into one of the service's greatest rescue boat operators at Huntington Beach under Mel Tubbs, later returning to San Clemente. After a hiatus to work in his family's financial advisory business, Perry returned to lifeguarding for another five years. His exemplary performance as a lifesaver and rescue boat operator is unparalleled. The Perry award recognizes not only Dave's excellence in lifesaving but also his commitment to advancing the profession. Through the Perry Charitable Foundation, he has generously supported events promoting professionalism and camaraderie among ocean lifeguards, especially within California State Parks. This support has enabled the celebration of retirees, valorous rescues, and the unique bond shared by ocean lifeguards. Annually, Dave Perry personally funds uniforms for up to 200 new lifeguards, a testament to his profound generosity and his status as a cherished alumnus among State Lifeguards.
The David A. Perry Distinguished Service Award is presented to men and women whose long tenure, influence on their peers and community contributions have distinguished them as singularly outstanding employees and mentors. The Perry Award is a testament to the prominence and signature style of the man for whom it is dedicated, a style that includes a personal vision, generosity, respect for his peers and excellence in the field of open water lifesaving.
David A. Perry Distinguished Service Award Recipients
Medal of Valor
The Lifeguard Medal of Valor is a highly prestigious award given to ocean lifeguards who demonstrate extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. The Lifeguard Medal of Valor is reserved for those rare and remarkable instances where a lifeguard demonstrates incredible courage and selflessness, putting their own life at extreme risk to save another, going far beyond the expected duties of their profession. It's considered the highest state award for valor.