The First Women Lifeguards: How Perseverance and Skill Overcame Obstacles

The First Women Lifeguards: How Perseverance and Skill Overcame Obstacles

From Nature and Science Podcast by Don Murphy

February 19, 2026 · 53 min · Season 6 · Episode 4

About this episode

This episode explores the history of the first women lifeguards on the California coast, highlighting their struggles against sexism and their remarkable skills.

Send us Fan Mail “Debbie Friedman adds a bouyant new element to history, introducing the strong and brave women who battled ocean waves and stinging sexism to become the first ocean lifeguards on the California coast. GUARDED combines tender memoir and heart-pounding rescue scenes. Friedman captures the salty grit of her fellow guards as they smash through boundaries and risk their lives.” —Elaine Weiss New York Times bestselling author of The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote The...

People in this episode

Host: Don Murphy

Topics covered

  • women in history
  • ocean lifeguards
  • perseverance
  • sexism
  • memoir
  • rescue scenes

Keywords

  • women lifeguards
  • California coast
  • Debbie Friedman
  • ocean waves
  • sexism
  • rescue
  • history

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: GUARDED, The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote

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