A true lifesaver in our midst

Greg Risling

NEWPORT BEACH -- Fifty years of anything -- marriage, work or

otherwise -- is a long time, especially if it involves saving people’s

lives.

Imagine trudging through piles of seaweed, having rip currents tugging

at your legs and smearing on suntan lotion on a daily basis. That is

pretty much the life of Buddy Belshe. And, to this point it’s been a

glorious one.

Belshe, 65, was recognized at Monday’s City Council meeting for his

dedication in the field of marine safety. For 50 years, Belshe has been

risking his life to save others, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Working as a lifeguard is a total enjoyment for me,” he said. “I like

the feeling that I helped someone today.”

The lifeguard lineage runs long in the Belshe family. His dad was the

first paid lifeguard for Huntington Beach. Living three blocks away from

the ocean, Belshe decided to sign up for a lifeguard position several

days before his 16th birthday. He spent most of his early career in

Huntington Beach before he was hired in 1960 by Newport Beach as a marine

safety officer.

His contributions to the department are almost legendary, said his

fellow workers. His first assignment was supervising the West Newport

division with Don Burns, who has become somewhat of an icon in the public

safety sector.

Belshe climbed the department’s ladder, being promoted twice until he

was named captain.

“To this day, he still sets an example for our younger lifeguards,”

said Lt. Eric Bauer, who brought his children to the council meeting to

meet Belshe, who lives in Aliso Viejo. “I wanted to show my kids what

hard work can do. Belshe has always been a highly proficient lifeguard.”

You would think age would slow Belshe down but he has kept in shape

and watches after his five kids. He continues to enter swimming events

and even ran a marathon last year.

Although he retired from his full-time job in 1988, he returns every

summer as a seasonal lifeguard. The city can pencil Belshe’s name into

their personnel logs. He isn’t going anywhere.

“I plan to keep working as a lifeguard,” he said. “It’s quite an honor

for the city to honor me but I’m just doing my job. They didn’t have to

do this but it was nice.”