George Freeth was a lifeguard and swimming instructor from the USA. Freeth was commonly viewed as one of the first people to popularize wave surfing in the modern United States, although he was of part Native Hawaiin descent. Historical records show that in 1910, Freeth was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal for his efforts two years earlier that saved the lives of eleven Japanese fishermen who had capsized during a winter storm offshore of Venice Beach, California.

Freeth is said to have taught himself the art of surfing and was known to have perfected a trick whereby he would stand on his head while surfing. George Freeth is even rumored to have given surfing lessons to the great author Jack London. 

By all accounts Freeth was selfless, having risked his own life to save others from drowning on numerous occasions. Sadly, at the young age of thirty-five, George Freeth passed away during a historic flu epidemic in 1919. 

Though his life was short by modern standards, it is without question that Freeth left a positive mark on the world that continues to have a lasting impact, both in the surfing world and in the practice of lifesaving. Today a statue of George Freeth stands on the pier in Redondo Beach, California continuing to honor his memory. 

So that the history of American Legends like George Freeth can continue to be preserved and documented, you may wish to donate to the California Historical Society. 

💡Did you know? In addition to George Freeth the historical figure, there are thousands of living people around the world named George Freeth.