The California Surf Lifesaving Association (CSLSA) will honor a trio of Ventura Port District Harbor Patrol officers for demonstrating exemplary and extraordinary courage.
The honorees will be presented with Medal of Valor and Heroic Act Awards. These acts of heroism will be recognized in a presentation during the CSLSA’s Fall Board of Directors meeting, hosted by the Santa Cruz Surf Lifesaving Association (SCSLA) and held at the Casablanca Inn.
“We proudly recognize the heroism of these Ventura Harbor Patrol Officers who courageously responded to a stranded 20-ton, 40-foot trawler and, while risking their own safety, successfully rescued its crew,” said Gus Avila, President of the CSLSA. “Their professionalism, bravery, and swift action exemplify the highest traditions of service and dedication.”
Christian Bennett, Garrett Winter, Nick Givens
On May 25th, 2025, around 12:27 PM, Ventura Harbor Patrol Boat 5 and Rescue Watercraft 6 responded to a 40-foot trawler that had run aground in the surf zone about a mile south of Ventura Harbor.
With the boat’s bow grounded and its stern free-floating, the vessel was twisting wildly in 4-foot surf, placing its three crewmembers in danger.
Boat 5, with Rescue Boat Captain Garrett Winter and Rescue Swimmer Christian Bennett on board, arrived on scene. Bennett swam to communicate with the three crewmembers. Rescue Watercraft 6 arrived shortly thereafter with operator Nick Givens.
Two crewmembers were safely extricated, but in the process of rescuing the third crew member, a sudden movement of the ship sucked him and Bennett directly underneath the 20-ton vessel. The pair risked being crushed by the ship or struck by its propellers which continued to spin. Bennett was able to shove the victim out from underneath the ship to safety.
Bennett emerged on the other side of the vessel and immediately rejoined RWC 6 to complete the rescue of the third crewmember. As a result of their actions, all crew members were rescued without injury.
Medal of Valor
Bennett is being awarded the USLA/CSLSA Medal of Valor for his profound physical courage, decisive action, and willingness to risk his own life to save others. He perfectly embodies the extraordinary valor recognized by this award.
Heroic Act
For their heroic lifesaving actions, Nick Givens and Garret Winter will be awarded the CSLSA/USLA Heroic Act Award.
About the Awards:
Through the Medal of Valor, Heroic Act and Meritorious Act Awards, the CSLSA salutes its recipients for their bravery, courage, and service to humanity. The Medal of Valor is the highest award given by the CSLSA to a lifeguard who voluntarily risked their life in an extraordinary effort to save a life.
Recipients of all awards are recognized at CSLSA Board of Directors meetings. The recipients and their families are invited to the meeting to be honored with an award for their lifesaving actions.
About The CSLSA:
As open-water lifesavers, the mission of the CSLSA is to promote Beach Safety awareness (“Always Swim Near A Lifeguard”) and Professional Lifeguard standards through public education, training programs, exchange programs, junior lifeguard programs, competition and other means.
The ultimate goal is to prevent and reduce aquatic injuries, accidents, and deaths at open-water beaches in the United States and throughout the world. It is the Nation’s largest professional open-water lifeguard organization.
