Newport party to honor lifeguards, firefighters

The 17th annual Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard Appreciation Beach Party will honor Ben Carlson as lifeguard of the year Wednesday evening.

Carlson died in July while making a rescue in heavy surf.

Each year, the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce presents the party to honor and thank the city’s lifeguards and firefighters.

Carlos Medina was selected as firefighter of the year, according to a news release from the chamber.

The party starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive. There will be live music, a gourmet barbecue, a bonfire and cocktails.

Tickets, including parking, are $40 per person.

For more information, go to newportbeach.com or call (949) 729-4400.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck