Photo Courtesy: Becky Ruppel

Dear State Parks Lifeguard:

At California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and California Association of Law Enforcement Employees (CALEE), we know our State Parks lifeguards are a tight-knit community, which adds to our deep sadness as we inform those of you who may not have learned of the sudden death of Seasonal Lifeguard Malcolm Feix.

The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office confirmed for CSLEA that Feix, 20, of Moss Beach, died on Sunday July 22, 2018 at Pomponio State Beach.  The coroner’s office stated that reports in the media that Feix drowned may not be accurate and that an exact cause of death is pending an investigation that could take weeks.  Feix was off-duty and surfing with friends.

One of the many duties at CSLEA is to protect its members with a proven Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and to also provide life insurance should something unforeseen happen.  Seasonal lifeguards who choose to become members of CSLEA receive many benefits including LDF and a $15,000 basic life insurance benefit.

It saddens me greatly when I must inform a family member that membership was not acquired by a state employee who belongs to our Bargaining Unit 7 - CSLEA and there is no life insurance benefit.  Given the inherent risks of our jobs, I strongly encourage public safety employees to consider the protection and benefits that CSLEA has for its valued public safety members.  Currently, more than 160 seasonal lifeguards recognize the importance of having these CSLEA benefits and have signed up for seasonal membership.

I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Malcolm’s family, friends, fellow lifeguards, and surfing community.   Please stay safe on and off the job and give some thought to your family members as you consider the importance of CSLEA membership.

Fraternally,

Ricardo Sanchez

CSLEA CFO

CALEE President