Lifeguard Carlson’s family wants memorial statue at Newport Pier

If Ben Carlson’s family has their way, McFadden Square could be home to a statue designed in the longtime lifeguard’s likeness.

The Ben Carlson Memorial Scholarship Foundation and the Carlson family issued a joint notice on social media Friday, recommending that the statue be installed in McFadden Square adjacent to the Newport Pier.

For the past several months, the foundation and city leaders have weighed placing the 9-foot statue at either the Newport Pier or the Balboa Pier.

Carlson died in large surf while rescuing a distressed swimmer on July 6, just four days after the experienced lifeguard turned 32.

The community grieved for Carlson alongside his family and friends, posting signs on business marquees and creating a temporary memorial on the steps of the lifeguard headquarters immediately after his death.

On March 8, the lifeguard headquarters were renamed in Carlson’s honor.

Earlier this month, the Newport Beach Arts Commission voted to forward the plan for the statue to the City Council for approval.

The council will vote on plans for the statue at an upcoming meeting. In the meantime, Carlson’s family and friends are continuing to raise money for the $125,000 sculpture online at https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org.