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Debbie Friedman

@deborafriedman

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Author: GUARDED: Women, Water, and Saving Lives

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Nearly 50 years after Debbie Friedman first reported for duty as a young lifeguard along the San Clemente coastline, she returned to the beach where that chapter of her life began to tell the story of the women who helped change California ocean lifeguarding. Click the link in bio to read more. 📸: @painchaudkevin/@lookoutsantacruz

#debbiefriedman #sanclemente #eyeonsc #lifeguarding #lifeguard

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Gaviota Coast has seen its fair share of lifeguard vehicles. Square body trucks, Jeeps and Ford Broncos are pretty trendy now, but lifeguards put them to work first. The vehicles have changed but lifeguards are still here!

If you’re looking for something to do this week, our aquatic safety night is going to be on August 27th at 7 pm at @mollusksantabarbara. Are we gonna see you there?

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Thank you, @deborafriedman for these copies of GUARDED: WOMEN, WATER, AND SAVING LIVES, along with a pair of walking-in-nature socks and the most beautiful card that I will treasure for years to come.

As a freelance editor, I don’t have any control over what a client does with my feedback, so when someone commits like Debbie did (and publishes such a well-written, readable book), it’s both heartwarming and exciting. I hope many more readers continue to enjoy her story 🛟🌊🏄🏼

#lifeguard #lifeguarding #firstwomen

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Had the best time today at Ocean City’s “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade, celebrating 250 years of America! 🇺🇸✨

My shoes were inspired by Debbie Friedman, one of the first female lifeguards and a true pioneer for women in lifeguarding. I loved getting to honor her strength, courage, and trailblazing spirit while celebrating the history, community, and joy that make Ocean City so special.

There is nothing like parade day: the boardwalk, the music, the smiles, the sparkles, and all the incredible women stepping out with stories on their shoes. So grateful to be part of this unforgettable tradition! ❤️🤍💙

#ShowUsYourShoes #OceanCityNJ #MissNewJersey #MissAmerica MissNJMakesWaves America250

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Honored to be mentioned in this book as part of an early pioneer group of women breaking into California State Parks lifeguarding.

In 1983, over 400 men were competing for fewer than 20 positions—and only three women were selected in that era.

I started at 15, working through the early days of women entering lifeguarding, including San Clemente’s five towers.

Even more meaningful, the author @deborafriedman was one of my early mentors in the 1980s.

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GUARDED by: @deborafriedman is out now!

Debbie’s long awaited book highlights intimate stories from the early women who paved the uncharted way through the lifeguarding.

An amazing perspective after years of interviews, research, and finding the stories from the source. A much needed addition to our lifeguard world that we can all relate to.

If you haven’t already listened to the podcast with @deborafriedman on @thelifeguardproject, it will get you excited to dive into the long awaited must read!

Link in the bio!

#thelifeguardproject #womensday #lifeguard

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our coaching staff is often approached on the beach by fans of surf sport who ask me "Why is it that the 'cliffies (that's what the fans call our athletes) are both outstanding competitors and such articulate, informed citizens of the world?"

It's a great question. Maybe its because of the team reading list we publish every winter, which our athletes consume voraciously, appetites endless for insights into sport, surf and society.

Coach Clint will be expecting book reports at 2026 Season Kickoff Training Camp ya'll. Buckle up and buckle down.

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Podcast | Ep. 11 Debbie Friedman - Early Women in Lifeguarding

Presented by: @bencarlson_foundation

@deborafriedman shares her advice to the lifeguard community.

“Who’s being left out in your department?”

What could you be doing to better support them?

@deborafriedman was one of the first women to step into a lifeguard tower along the Camp Pendleton coast in 1978. She also became the first female to fulfill a permanent Peace Officer Lifeguard position with @castateparks @castatelifeguards.

On top of her lifeguarding career, she has served as a mentor, international lifeguard, and training instructor. Her husband and both kids are also lifeguards.

Debbie is currently writing a book about the early women in the field of lifeguarding and this conversation takes us along subjects such as stereotypes, gender, and early lessons learned.

Link in the bio!

🎙️:@chobostudios

#thelifeguardproject #bencarlsonfoundation #podcast

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Podcast | Ep. 11 Debbie Friedman - Early Women in Lifeguarding

Presented by: @bencarlson_foundation

@deborafriedman discusses when women first showed up to lifeguarding and how some universal truths of the job applied to everyone. More-so the conversation of gender is often made universal by the human basics of what the job continues to demand.

@deborafriedman was one of the first women to step into a lifeguard tower along the Camp Pendleton coast in 1978. She also became the first female to fulfill a permanent Peace Officer Lifeguard position with @castateparks @castatelifeguards.

On top of her lifeguarding career, she has served as a mentor, international lifeguard, and training instructor. Her husband and both kids are also lifeguards.

Debbie is currently writing a book about the early women in the field of lifeguarding and this conversation takes us along subjects such as stereotypes, gender, and early lessons learned.

Link in the bio!

🎙️:@chobostudios

#thelifeguardproject #bencarlsonfoundation #podcast

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Podcast | Ep. 11 Debbie Friedman - Early Women in Lifeguarding

Presented by: @bencarlson_foundation

@deborafriedman discusses the often discussed perception of strength in the early days of lifeguarding when women first showed up into the profession.

@deborafriedman was one of the first women to step into a lifeguard tower along the Camp Pendleton coast in 1978. She also became the first female to fulfill a permanent Peace Officer Lifeguard position with @castateparks @castatelifeguards.

On top of her lifeguarding career, she has served as a mentor, international lifeguard, and training instructor. Her husband and both kids are also lifeguards.

Debbie is currently writing a book about the early women in the field of lifeguarding and this conversation takes us along subjects such as stereotypes, gender, and early lessons learned.

Link in the bio!

🎙️:@chobostudios

#thelifeguardproject #bencarlsonfoundation #podcast

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Podcast | Ep. 11 Debbie Friedman - Early Women in Lifeguarding

Presented by: @bencarlson_foundation

@deborafriedman was one of the first women to step into a lifeguard tower along the Camp Pendleton coast in 1978. She also became the first female to fulfill a permanent Peace Officer Lifeguard position with @castateparks.

On top of her lifeguarding career, she has served as a mentor, international lifeguard, and training instructor. Her husband and both kids are also lifeguards.

Debbie is currently writing a book about the early women in the field of lifeguarding and this conversation takes us along subjects such as stereotypes, gender, and early lessons learned.

Link in the bio!

🎙️:@chobostudios

#thelifeguardproject #bencarlsonfoundation #podcast

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“Women and Lifeguarding” Presented by: @bencarlson_foundation

Read the full story online which showcases two perspectives from lifeguards @deborafriedman and @kscarlett13.

Debbie (pictured in the first photo) is currently writing a book about the history of women in lifeguarding. She gives us a sneak peak into the incredible stories which will be featured.

Scarlett, a @lifeguardsofsandiego , has been organizing the @we.are.waterwomen event that has brought lifeguards together from across the USA over the last couple years!

Link in bio!

#lifeguarding #women #bencarlsonfoundation #thelifeguardproject

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