Robert J. Isenor Award Recipients

Bob Isenor

In 1950, Bob Isenor built the State Lifeguard Service from scratch, and, in his inimitable two-fisted manner, continued to shape it throughout his 33-year career with State Parks. His persona was well summed up in the foreword to an interview of Isenor done by former San Diego Coast Lifeguard Rex Grady:

He is, in some ways, a gruff man. Not one to reflect too deeply on himself nor his accomplishments, he displayed a profound good sense and deep commitment to public service. He stands at an average height, but has a wide girth and stocky build. His voice is gravelly, his face craggy with age, and his forearms scarred from burns received during service on the state beaches.

Isenor was a no-nonsense guy. Although he could be very engaging, tact and diplomacy were not his strong suit. Like many of his generation, he was incapable of political correctness. He spoke his mind and would fight tooth and nail to protect his program, no matter who he offended. His passion for the lifesaving profession and the work ethic he employed in forming the State Parks Lifeguard Service are the stuff of legend.

During his career, Isenor was an almost mythical character - capable of inspiring awe, respect, and fear in his troops. If you were a lifeguard, you snapped to attention when Bob Isenor walked into the room. Stories of Isenor’s escapades were legendary - he had two destroyers shot out from under him within a month during the Solomon Islands campaign in the South Pacific during WWII. It is said that he broke his neck jumping from the Huntington Beach Pier while training to be a lifeguard – and walked around for weeks before doing anything about it. At a lifeguard banquet, when one of his seasonals referred to him as “Bullethead,” Isenor allegedly retaliated to the perceived insult by coldcocking him with one punch. The nickname stuck (though likely never used again in his presence).

Isenor started his Lifeguard Service in 1950 at Huntington State Beach with 17 Lifeguards, 1 jeep, and a yearly budget of $15,000. He lived to see his Service grow to over 700 lifeguards providing service from the Mexican Border to Sonoma County, and Inland lakes and Reservoirs.

Bob Isenor passed away on June 6, 2000. His ashes were scattered near the historic swim buoy in front of the Power Plant near Newland St. at Huntington State Beach.

Eric Emery

1954 Became an Ocean Lifeguard with Huntington City
1955 – 1959 Hospital Corpsman with the Marines
1959 Became a State Lifeguard
1959 – 1983 Worked as a field Lifeguard for Huntington State
1968 Created the Statewide LG Training Program at Huntington
1968 – 1976 Lead Instructor
Living Legend
Father of the State Lifeguard Training Program
1971 Received the Medal of Valor for a rescue in the Santa Ana River in 1969
1971 Started the Junior Lifeguard Program at HB
1978 Began the CETA Lifeguard Training Program
One of the most revered State Lifeguards in our history
1993 Retired from State Service
2022 Passed away at the age of 84

Billy Kramer

1962 Hired San Diego Coast
1962 – 1966 Seasonal Lifeguard at San Diego North
1966 – 1968 Permanent Lifeguard – San Diego North
1968 – 1970 Transferred to Doheny / San Clemente
1972 Attended Basic Peace Officers Training #2
1970 – 1974 Lifeguard Supervisor I – Bolsa / Huntington
1974 – 1982 Lifeguard Supervisor II – Bolsa / Huntington / Crystal
1983 – 1984 Lifeguard Supervisor III – Bolsa / Huntington
1984 – 1986 Aquatic Specialist for California
1986 – 1998 Superintendent III, Manager Visitor Services – San Simeon
1998 Retired
1997 Built a house in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Kirby Temple

1965 Lifeguard Training at South Carlsbad
1965 – 1968 Permanent Lifeguard – San Diego North
1968 – 1972 Lifeguard Supervisor II – San Diego North
1973 – 1978 District 5 Aquatic Specialist
1978 Retired from State Service
Worked with Isenor and Jack Buck to get the State Lifeguards into Safety Service, which Governor Ronald Reagan (once a lifeguard himself) signed.
In 2024, Kirby Temple passed away at the age of 84

Brian Hickey

Began his career as an Ocean Lifeguard in 1967- working at San Diego Coast
1967 – 1976 San Diego North as Seasonal 1 and 2
1976 – 1980 Permanent LG and LG Supervisor I at the Pendleton Coast
Advanced NAUI SCUBA Diver, SAR Recovery Team, Firearms Instructor, Cliff Rescue Instructor, LG Training Academy Instructor and lead CPR Instructor
1980 – 1984 Ranger at Cuyamaca Rancho and Palomar.
1984 – 1987 LG Supervisor II at San Diego Coast / acting Aquatic Specialist
1987 – 2000 Chief Ranger at Russian River / Mendocino District
Instrumental in creating the LG Service on the deadly Sonoma Coast - eradicating dozens (if not hundreds) of drownings.

Carl Drake

Attended LG Training at Huntington
Seasonal LG at Huntington
1973 Bachelor’s degree in economics from UC Davis
1974 Permanent Lifeguard at Huntington
1976 – 1988 SPPO Lifeguard San Clemente State Beach
1976 – 1978 Lifeguard Training Academy Lead Instructor
1980 – 1988 Rescue Boat Operator on Surfwatch III at San Clemente boat
Lifeguard competitions - highly adept at the Surf Ski event
Involved in numerous lifeguard exchanges
Competed in lifeguard competitions in New Zealand, Australia, and Peru.
Foreign ambassador for State Lifeguards for many years
1988 – 1992 Lifeguard Chief at Huntington State Beach
1992 – 2002 Aquatic Specialist for State Parks
His budgeting skills were highly desirable, and he worked his way through the State Parks hierarchy
2002 – 2004 Director of the Off-Highway Vehicle Division
2004 Retired from State Service
2020 Passed away, leaving his wife Dori and his extended family

David Perry

197 Attended LG Training Academy
1973 Worked a single season at Silverwood Lake
1974-1979 Seasonal Lifeguard San Clemente
1979 Permanent Lifeguard / Boat Operator Huntington
1984-2004 Permanent Intermittent Lifeguard San Clemente & Crystal Cove
2004-2005 Transferred back to Huntington to finish career
In his tenure as a Lifeguard, Dave Perry was involved in countless rescue and medical calls and undoubtedly saved many lives. He is supremely talented and universally respected.
While working as a PI, he developed a parallel Career in Financial Planning
Becoming a State Park Lifeguard was one of the most impactful experiences of his life. He reminds us that Lifeguarding isn’t an individual effort—it’s about communication, trust, and unity. He formed bonds with his teammates that he carries with him to this day—relationships built on mutual respect and shared purpose.
The Perry Family has given back more to our profession than anyone could imagine
Among countless demonstrations of support, he has bought reds, shirts, and hats for every graduating rookie for over 20 years.

Debbie Friedman

1978 Hired to work at Pendleton Coast - 1st woman (along with Kim Raymont)
1981 First Woman Perm LG - Worked Huntington and Bolsa
1983 – 1984 New Zealand Exchange Guard
1984 First woman core Instructor at LG Training Academy
1990 Retired from State Service
1990 Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors / Community-Based Organizations
Both children (Ryan and Clare) are second-generation State Lifeguards
Currently writing “Making Waves” - about early women ocean lifeguards

Mitch Kahn

Swam and played water polo for San Clemente High School
Played polo for Long Beach State
Hired by San Clemente City Lifeguards in 1977
Shifted to the State Lifeguards at San Clemente in 1978
Worked San Clemente, Doheny, and San Onofre State Beaches, 1978-1991
Became a fierce competitor in numerous disciplines
Made the US Olympic Kayaking team in 1992, and competed in the Barcelona games
Became a Los Angeles County Lifeguard in 1993.
During his tenure as a lifeguard, he won over 40 USLA National Open Championships, dominating lifeguard competitions for more than 20 years.
In 1999, became an Orange County Firefighter, eventually rising to the rank of Captain.
Finished his career as a crewman aboard one of the Fire Authority’s Helicopter units.
Now retired

Patty Mackle

Pre-1981 Junior Lifeguard and Assistant under Mike Sylvestri
1981 Attended Easter Lifeguard Training Academy
Hired as a 2nd-generation Lifeguard (father LJ Richards).
1981 – 2003 Seasonal Lifeguard San Diego North
1986 – 2003 JG Instructor San Diego North
2003 JG Program Coordinator
2010 Non-badge Lifeguard PI
1986 – 1994 One of the top female LG competitors in the world
2008 Launched the Torrey Pines Junior Lifeguard Program
Role model for hundreds of lifeguards and thousands of JGs
Her children (Katlin and Duke) are 3rd generation State Lifeguards.
The Richards / Mackles have a deep-rooted dedication to public service

Maryann Lughermo

1988 Attended Easter Lifeguard Training Academy
1988 – 1990 Huntington Beach Seasonal Lifeguard I. Rookie of the Year
1991 – 2014 SPPO Lifeguard Orange North - LT Supervisor 1
2000 Field Training Officer
2015 2016; Full-Time Supervisor
2016 Retired from State Service, first female to retire as a SPPO Lifeguard
Recognized by the CSLA for “Lifetime Achievement Award”

Dr. Greg Dunnavant

1990 Earned his MD
Served for 18 years as Battalion Surgeon for the 19^th Special Forces Group of the Utah Army National Guard
Spent the next 3 decades specializing in emergency medicine at LDS Hospital and Intermountain Medical Center in Utah
Served as medical director for several city fire departments, the California Highway Patrol, SkyWest Airlines, and, eventually, California State Parks
His hiring was a seminal moment in the professional development of all our Emergency Medical Services Programs, SPPO Academy, and Lifeguard Training Academy
Known for his sharp intellect, relentless work ethic, and unique ability to simplify complete systems into effective, life-saving training programs
A man of purpose, compassion, and selfless dedication
Greg passed away suddenly on January 23, 2021, surrounded by his loving family

Jim Tucker

1943 – 1945 Huntington Beach City Lifeguard earning $5 a day
Jim was on duty June 27, 1943, when a fighter jet crashed on the beach around Newland Street, killing four children and injuring many others
1944 World War II Jim joined the US Navy with Buddy Combs, Richard White and more
1951 – 1960 Worked for his friend, Bob Isenor, as a PT guard at Huntington
1960 - 1968 Permanent at Folsom Lake
1968 – 1987 Aquatic Specialist for District 3 (Gaviota, Ventura)
1987 Retired after 35 years of State Parks Service
Jim worked statewide, making recommendations for aquatic safety
Invlved in the Underwater Dive Commission, State Personnel Board, and Coastal Commission
2015 Jumped off the Huntington Beach pier during a LG reunion at 89
Tucker quote: “I’m not talking about the way it was, just the way it’s never gonna be again.”

Mel Tubbs

1957 Became a State Lifeguard, trained at Doheny by Pop Proctor
- Worked his first season at San Clemente State Beach.
1958 First permanent lifeguard at Huntington
1960 – 61 Served as a sonar operator in a helicopter in the US Navy Reserve
1961 Returned to Lifeguarding- assigned to Silver Strand.
1964 Rescue boat operator at Huntington.
Taught by Isenor (who operated vessels in the military) to pilot the new rescue boat, Surfwatch I.
Tubbs built two other rescue boats, Surfwatch II (1976) and Surfwatch IV (1989).
He helped design the boats. He did all the maintenance.
Taught 100’s of Lifeguards to be operators and deckhands in a career spanning 4 decades.
Revolutionized the art of lifeguard rescue boat handling
Assisted in saving (literally) thousands of people during his tenure.
In the vernacular of the LG Boat operators: “Mel could make that boat dance.”
Today, the program he founded is still in existence and still saving lives
He retired in 1992 and lives in Newport Beach with his wife, Sheila.

Jack Buck

1959 Hired at Huntington - the first year of formal training at each beach
1959 – 1960 Seasonal Lifeguard I, worked at Doheny as a fill-in lifeguard
1960 Permanent Lifeguard at Huntington, under tutelage of Bob Isenor.
1961 – 1970 Lifeguard Chief (Supervisor) Huntington
He started the California State Lifeguard Association with Bob Isenor and Dudley King
Through CSLA, they formalized the State lifeguard competition team and served as a de facto bargaining agent with the state
1968 Buck, Isenor, and Kirby Temple persuaded Gov. Ronald Reagan to award State Lifeguards with a Safety Retirement package - the first of its kind in State Parks
Jack had high standards and commanded respect amongst his troops.
1970 Retired from State Service, leaving a legacy of excellence.
Among his accomplishments:
- Championed new rescue techniques
- Provided mental health support for First Responders
- Coordinated emergency response with other agencies
- Key player in the establishment of the SurfWatch Program
- Helped establish SCUBA Programs and Training Protocols
- Involved in the National Surf Lifesaving Association (USLA)
- Helped create what today are the International Lifeguard Championships
Jack Buck passed away in 1997.
His ashes were scattered at the Newland buoy at Huntington.

Greg Abbott

Hired in 1963 Worked at Silver Strand under Mel Tubbs
- Quickly distinguished himself as a supremely skilled waterman and character
- Once ran into Mexico during a spell of huge surf and impressive crowds
- As the only guard for miles, he spent hours clearing rips and making rescues
- He no doubt saved many lives that day.
- On his way back to the US, crowds of people cheered for him
- He received a Commendation from Sup. Denny Stoufer for rescuing 7 immigrants on a panga who were dumped into the ocean because the surf was too big to land. All victims were hospitalized
Wrote Articles of Incorporation for California Assn of LGs
Greg was the LG for the Movie “Ride the Wild Surf” and several other films
He was among the first to Bodysurf Waimea, 2^nd Reef Pipeline, and Sunset
- Bodysurfed the day of the famous Greg Noll photo
Featured in several publications including:
- Surfer’s Journal 2022
- Books: Tijuana Straits, Coyote’s Bicycle, Martino’s book
In 1974 He built the wall at “The Wall” in Baja
1963 – 2001 Guarded for 39 years
2000 - 2024 Environmental Scientist
State Service = 61 years

Steve White

1970 Attended Rookie Academy
1971 Seasonal at Huntington
1972 – 1974 Lifeguard Seasonal San Diego North
1975 – 1977 Seasonal Supervisor at Ventura
1979 – 1980 Lifeguard PI San Clemente / Lifeguard Training Staff Instructor
1981 – 2001 Lifeguard Supervisor at Ventura
- Expanded the program
- Worked with Ventura Port District, City of San Buenaventura
Helped expand Junior Lifeguard Programs statewide through (CASI)
Gifted Bodysurfer - Sponsored by Voit
Renowned Photographer

Tim Harvey

1972 LG Training Academy - won Mestri Award for winning every event
- Worked San Clemente - started the JG Program with Nick Sopha
Attended Berkeley
- Member of Cal’s 1976 National champion water polo team
- Placed 6^th in the 1650 freestyle at the 1976 NCAA swimming championships.
- Held Cal Berkeley records in the 500 and 1640 freestyles.
Hard-charging surfer, diver, and waterman, and fierce competitor
Won 8 individual national lifeguard championships
2000 Trasnferred to the Angeles District where he ran their Jr. LG Program for 15 years
1990s Worked the shoulder seasons on the rugged Sonoma Coast the 1990’s
2020 Transferred back to the Sonoma Coast as a lifeguard.
2021 Started the Sonoma Coast JR. Lifeguard Program.
2023 Started the Mendocino Coast Jr. Lifeguard Program, where he continues to work to this day.
Tim has been a lifeguard for 50 years, a rare feat.

Kirk Sturm

1974 Huntington Lifeguard Training
1974 – 1980 Lifeguard Seasonal I / II – Ventura
1980 – 1995 Permanent Lifeguard – Ventura
1995 – 1997 Chief Lifeguard – Santa Monica Bay Project
1997 – 1999 Aquatic Specialist – Sacramento
1999 – 2003 Superintendent III / V – Hearst Castle
2003 - 2005 Division Chief – Sacramento
2005 Retired from State Park Service
2025 - 30^th Anniversary of the Santa Monica Bay Project – A Seminal point in time with positive lasting impacts for all lifeguard agencies in California. Beginning of the end of provincialism in lifeguarding.

Ken Kramer

1974 Among the first group of JGs at San Clemente under Sopha / Harvey
1978 One of four original Youth Aides earning $2.76 hour
1979 Completed LG Training Academy - worked 4 years as a Seasonal LG
1984 Perm LG at Bolsa / Huntington - as part of the shift to replace Rangers with Lifeguards in aquatic parks
1985 – 1986 Surfwatch Rescue Boat Operator under Mel Tubbs
1986 Embarked on a decade of developing LG service at Crystal Cove
1988 Lifeguard Supervisor I, Member of the Driving Safety Board, NAUI Diving Instructor, Technical Rescue Instructor, Swiftwater Instructor
1993 – 1997 Night Shift Supervisor Orange North
2000 CSLA President, helped organize the 50^th anniversary
2003 – 2008 Sector Superintendent, Orange Coast Central
2008 – 2012 District Superintendent, Orange Coast District
2012 Retired from full-time duties
2012 on RA - still manages the State Parks Dive Program

Alex Peabody

Began his career as an Ocean Lifeguard in 1980
1980 – 1983 Lifeguard Seasonal I Santa Cruz
Established himself as a hard-charging Lifeguard and big wave surfer
1982 New Zealand Lifeguard exchange. Worked challenging Piha Beach and competed in surf carnivals. His experiences at Piha shaped him as a Lifeguard
1983 Became a Permanent Lifeguard
Huntington and Crystal Cove for 2 years.
Became involved in the politics of lifesaving. Deeply involved in the Lifeguard Union, addressing staffing levels and funding, vehicle safety, and equipment shortages.
Two-term president of the California State Lifeguard Association
Bulldog negotiator for establishing Lifeguard services in unguarded areas with many drownings. Instrumental in establishing lifeguard services at the Sonoma Coast and Monterey.
1987 – 2003 SPPO Lifeguard at Santa Cruz - became the program supervisor
1990 Established rescue boat program in Santa Cruz. Brought Surfwatch vessel in 1996.
2003 Became State Parks Lifeguard Aquatic specialist, a position he occupied for 9 years.
Deeply committed to improving the Lifeguard Service. Brought new towers across the state. Funding for LG Training.
2012 Retired
2016 Passed away from ALS - Leaving behind a wife, son, and daughter all of whom were State Lifeguards.

Eric Sturm

1981 Huntington Lifeguard Training
1981 – 1986 Lifeguard Seasonal I and II at Ventura
1988 – 2019 State Park Peace Officer Lifeguard
Over four decades of public service across five Park Districts - focus on Monterey
1996 - 2010 Lifeguard Training Academy Staff Instructor - created rock rescue program
- Created the mantra, “I am not the center of the universe, I am here to serve.”
1993 Medal of Valor recipient
2012 Retired
2017 - 2023 Retired Annuitant as State Park Peace Officer in Monterey
2024 California State Parks Director’s Award for Innovation

Nate Buck

Never swam competitively - high School dropout; Natural swimmer; amazing Free Diver
1988 Lifeguard Training academy
1988 – 2000 Lifeguard Seasonal San Diego Coast
1988 Rookie of the Year – San Diego North
2003 – 2011 Seasonal Lifeguard SD City - Worked both agencies year-round
2001 Began working the Sonoma Coast - where his skills were put to use
- Multiple rescues in 20’ surf; 1 rescue in 30’ surf
- Coordinated multi-agency SAR Ocean recovery program
- Standardized Cliff 906 equipment
- Lead Lifeguard on the Sonoma Coast after Brit and Osh retired
- Awarded the USLA – Medal of Valor (for two separaterescues)
Nate Buck made several “Once in a Lifetime” rescues (MOV Worthy)
Also:
- San Diego City Honor Guard
- Maverick’s Water Safety Team
- Product design for Patagonia
- Bodega Fire Surf Rescue Lead Rescue Swimmer
- Currently:
  - Firefighter
  - Paramedic
  - Fire Boat Operator
  - Swift Water CAL – OES Team
  - Rescue Watercraft Instructor