Tribute to Nicholas Johnson

Photo by Ryan Kelly, Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol Officer

Friends, family, fellow lifeguards and local emergency responders recently paid tribute to Nicholas Johnson, a former City of Santa Barbara Jr. Lifeguard Instructor and Beach Lifeguard.

Johnson unexpectedly and tragically passed away at the age of 19 during a swim practice on March 24, 2014.

On Saturday, April 5, a paddle-out in honor of Nicholas drew a crowd of over 200 participants during a beautiful day off of East Beach, a beach where he spent every summer beginning in 2004.

Nicholas Johnson was a participant in the Santa Barbara Jr. Lifeguard program beginning in 2004. He later worked as an Instructor Aide before being hired as a Jr. Lifeguard Instructor in 2010. Nicholas will forever be remembered for his hard work ethic, teamwork, and his ability to find the best in everyone he encountered.

For more information about Nicholas Johnson and the impact he had on so many others within the Santa Barbara community please see the recent Santa Barbara Independent article, "UCSB Student Nicholas Johnson’s Death Ruled ‘Accidental Drowning’: Family Creates Memorial Fund Through Santa Barbara High School Aquatics Program."