Chris Linkletter

Chris is the first female Lifeguard to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. During her 36- year career, Chris worked on all beaches in every Lifeguard Division Section along the 72 miles of LA County coastline.

Chris was introduced to the Lifeguard profession as a Junior Lifeguard in 1978. She started as an LA County Southern Section Ocean Lifeguard in 1984 and quickly realized it was the profession for her. Along with the beach lifeguarding, she was assigned to the recruitment and public education programs.

Chris graduated from UCLA and promoted to Ocean Lifeguard Specialist (OLS) in 1990. After few years in Northern and Central Sections she settled in Torrance/Redondo and Cabrillo beaches. Chris was an Ocean Lifeguard Training Academy instructor for over 10 years, a Recertification Instructor and Peer Supporter. Chris was the first woman trained to the Swiftwater Rescue II level and was assigned to the Swiftwater Rescue team. She was also the first female Public Information Officer.

In 1999, Chris was the first woman promoted to Lifeguard Captain. She worked on the Central and Southern section beaches and served as the Community Services Captain, overseeing the Public Affairs and Youth programs. Chris was also the first female Fire Department Background investigator. Much of her 15 years as a Captain was at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. During her tenure there, the Palos Verdes Peninsula saw a sharp increase in coastal activity and ocean rescues, especially the Abalone Cove area. Through her role on the Abalone Cove Task Force, collecting data, and working with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, she was instrumental in re- instating a permanent, year-round lifeguard position at Abalone Cove.

As an OLS and Captain, Chris served on the LA County Lifeguard Association Board of Directors. She was the President of the first LA County Surf Lifesaving Association Board of Directors. The non-profit organization was created to promote open water safety for the public and lifeguards through training, education, life-saving sports, and community outreach.

Chris was the first female Lifeguard Section Chief in 2014. She was assigned to North Lifeguard Battalion Operations (formerly Northern & Central Sections) for 2 years and then the Lifeguard Administration for 2 years. In Admin, she was responsible for Junior Lifeguards, WATER program, Training, and Public Affairs. She returned to North Battalion in 2018 until her retirement in 2021. Chris was honored with the first Fire Department Lifeguard “Trailblazer” award in 2018 and the International Surf Festival created the annual “Linkletter Women’s Surf Relay”. She’s currently the President of Los Angeles Peninsula Swimmers Master’s Team.

Chris has always made physical fitness and major part of her life within and outside of work. She’s competed in surf racing regionally, nationally, and internationally in Lifesaving events. Chris also did triathlons and marathons. She qualified for and raced in 7 Ironman Triathlon World Championships with two top 5 age group finishes.

Chris distinguished herself as a leader, competitor, and role model for all lifeguards with her groundbreaking accomplishments and her work ethic. She hopes she’s been inspiration for women in every profession.

Chris lives in San Pedro with her husband of 27 years, retired Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Scott Linkletter (37 years of service). Scott convinced Chris to pursue a Lifeguard career. He encouraged and supported her every step of the way.

Lifeguard Section Chief Chris Linkletter