Buddy’s Bloody Mary: A Newport Beach Legend Honored at The Lighthouse Newport Beach

At The Lighthouse Newport Beach, honoring Buddy Belshe goes beyond remembrance. It reflects a deep connection to Newport Beach history, coastal tradition, and the people who made this community what it is – including through a signature cocktail proudly bearing his name: Buddy’s Bloody Mary.

Buddy Belshe’s Early Life and Connection to the Ocean

Buddy Belshe was born in 1934 in Southern California into a family deeply rooted in water safety. His father served as Huntington Beach’s first full-time paid lifeguard, while his mother taught swimming to thousands of children. From an early age, Buddy’s life revolved around the ocean – a path that would eventually lead him to Newport Beach.

An accomplished athlete, Buddy was an All-American swimmer in high school and competed collegiately before placing ninth in the 1,500-meter freestyle at the 1956 U.S. Olympic Trials. His dedication to swimming and open water never faded, but it was Newport Beach where his talents and values found their true purpose.

A Lifetime of Service in Newport Beach

In 1960, Buddy Belshe joined the City of Newport Beach as a full-time Marine Safety Officer. Over the next several decades, he became one of the most respected figures in Newport Beach lifeguard history, eventually rising to Operations Captain.

Even after officially retiring in 1987, Buddy returned season after season as a lifeguard at Corona del Mar – part of the greater Newport Beach coastline – finally stepping away in 2007. For nearly 50 years, Buddy helped safeguard the beaches of Newport Beach, earning a reputation for unmatched ocean awareness and calm leadership.

To locals and visitors alike, seeing Buddy on duty was synonymous with safety in Newport Beach.

Elevating Lifesaving Standards Beyond Newport Beach

Buddy’s influence extended well beyond the city limits. As a founding member of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), he helped establish professional standards that continue to guide lifeguards nationwide. He also represented Newport Beach lifeguards internationally, sharing expertise in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Despite global recognition, Newport Beach remained Buddy’s home base – the place he cared about most and served longest.

The Newport Beach Pier-to-Pier Swim Tradition

In 1976, Buddy founded the Newport Beach Pier-to-Pier Swim, now one of the city’s most celebrated annual ocean events. Often referred to as “Buddy’s Swim,” the event reflects his belief that the ocean should be respected, enjoyed, and shared.

Each year, swimmers enter the water along the Newport Beach shoreline, continuing a tradition rooted in community, athleticism, and ocean stewardship.

Buddy’s Buoy: A Lasting Newport Beach Landmark

Off the Newport Pier floats Buddy’s Buoy, a permanent tribute honoring Buddy’s decades of service to Newport Beach. It stands as both a navigational marker and a symbol of protection – a fitting legacy for a man who dedicated his life to watching over these waters.

In 1999, the Newport Beach City Council formally recognized Buddy Belshe for his extraordinary contributions. When he passed away in 2012, the Newport Beach community mourned a figure who had become part of the coastline itself.

Buddy’s Bloody Mary at The Lighthouse Newport Beach

At The Lighthouse Newport Beach, Buddy’s legacy is honored in a uniquely local way – through Buddy’s Bloody Mary, a signature cocktail inspired by tradition, community, and coastal mornings.

In Newport Beach, the Bloody Mary is more than a drink. It’s a brunch staple, a post-swim ritual, and a symbol of relaxed waterfront living. Naming this iconic cocktail after Buddy Belshe reflects his deep connection to Newport Beach mornings spent by the water.

Why Buddy’s Bloody Mary Fits Newport Beach

The Bloody Mary is bold, balanced, and timeless – qualities that defined Buddy himself. It’s a drink meant to be enjoyed slowly, often shared with friends, and always tied to ocean views.

At The Lighthouse Newport Beach, Buddy’s Bloody Mary captures the essence of the harbor, the coastline, the community Buddy spent a lifetime protecting, and the treasured legacy of a well-loved father.

For locals, it evokes memories of early swims, long beach days, and classic Newport Beach brunch culture. For visitors, it offers a taste of authentic Newport Beach history.

The Significance of Naming a Drink After Buddy Belshe

Naming Buddy’s Bloody Mary is more than a menu decision – it’s a tribute. Each order sparks conversation about Newport Beach, its lifeguard culture, and the people who shaped the city’s identity.

It connects past and present, reminding guests that Newport Beach is built on stories, service, and shared experiences.

A Newport Beach Tradition Served Daily

Much like Buddy’s work on the sand, Buddy’s Bloody Mary brings people together. It’s enjoyed during brunch, waterfront gatherings, and weekends overlooking the harbor. At The Lighthouse Newport Beach, it has become a symbol of community pride and coastal heritage.

Honoring Newport Beach History at The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse Newport Beach stands as a gathering place where food, views, and local history meet. By honoring Buddy Belshe through Buddy’s Bloody Mary, The Lighthouse reinforces its deep ties to Newport Beach and its commitment to celebrating the people who define it.

When you enjoy Buddy’s Bloody Mary at The Lighthouse Newport Beach, you’re not just ordering a cocktail – you’re raising a glass to a Newport Beach legend whose legacy still lives in the waves, the shoreline, and the community he loved.