Thousands gathered in Newport Beach on Sunday to honor Ben Carlson, the lifeguard who died while trying to rescue a struggling swimmer July 5, with a memorial paddle. (Dan R. Krauss / For the Times)
People wait to begin a memorial paddle for Newport Beach lifeguard Ben Carlson. (Dan R. Krauss / For the Times)
Chris Carlson, the father of Ben Carlson, gears up for the memorial paddle honoring his son on Sunday. (Dan R. Krauss / For the Times)
Surfers wade into the water before the memorial paddle in honor of Ben Carlson in Newport Beach. (Dan R. Krauss / For the Times)
Allon Cameron, a friend of Ben Carlson -- the lifeguard who died in Newport Beach on July 5 while trying to rescue a struggling swimmer, at the memorial paddle. (Dan R. Krauss / For the Times)
Flowers lie on a surfboard at the memorial paddle in honor of Ben Carlson. (Dan R. Krauss / For the Times)
