Lifeguards were honored for their heroism Wednesday night during a gathering in Redondo Beach that each year recognizes the extraordinary acts of select guards whose swift action saves lives.

The event at the Kings Harbor Yacht Club awarded Los Angeles County Fire Department Ocean Lifeguards Max Malamed and Ryan Aronson with the prestigious Medal of Valor for saving a woman who jumped from the Venice Pier during last year’s Fourth of July fireworks show.

The Distinguished Service Award was given to Paramedic Rescue Boat Captain Brian Kari and Paramedic Ocean Lifeguard Specialist Sean Kennedy, along with the Avalon City Fire Department, for a December call on Catalina Island to help a young woman giving birth.

Also recognized was retired Captain Jim “Jake” Jacobson, a mentor to many who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award following a career that spanned from 1971 until he retired in 2008.

The awards program was started in 1981 so “the public recognizes and appreciates the tremendous efforts they undertake.”

The Lifeguard Medal of Valor Awards dinner is hosted by the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and officially kicks off the International Surf Festival. The annual festival is hosting several athletic events around the South Bay through this weekend, including swims and relays, paddleboard and surf contests, volleyball and more.

More information: surffestival.org