Justin Soden is a lifeguard who lives in New Jersey during the summer and in Florida in the winter. He works as a lifeguard in both states.

He just returned home to Wildwood to his father, Bert.

Soden’s father passed away three years ago, and he was a longtime lifeguard as well.

To honor his father’s legacy, Soden continued a tradition his father had started, where he would paddle on a surfboard around Wildwood Island.

During Soden’s offseason, he has returned to the Garden State for the last three years to continue his father’s efforts. The 17-mile paddle took Soden about four hours to complete.

This annual paddle helps Soden remember his father and keep his memory alive.