Two Newport Beach Lifeguards Launch WaveAid

An Ocean-Inspired Bandage Company for Kids

Born and raised in Newport Beach, lifelong friends Foster Hoose and Michael Vaughan have turned their passion for the ocean into an innovative new children’s brand called WaveAid.

The two first met over a decade ago while lifeguarding in Newport Beach and quickly became friends through their shared love of surfing, fishing, and life on the water. Today, they continue to work together as Newport Beach Lifeguards, serving on rescue boats and helping keep local beaches safe.

The idea for WaveAid originated during the summer of 2025 while working on the beach. Over the years, Foster and Michael noticed that children often loved receiving stickers along with their bandages after minor cuts and scrapes. They also saw how excited families became when spotting dolphins, whales, sea lions, and other marine life along the coast. That observation sparked a simple idea: combine the comfort of a bandage with the excitement of ocean animals and educational fun facts.

We wanted to create something that could treat, comfort, and educate with every injury. We wanted to be better and different.

After nine months of development, the pair officially launched WaveAid on June 23, 2026.

WaveAid features five ocean animal designs—dolphin, shark, sea turtle, whale, and octopus—and includes a collectible educational fun fact card in every box. While designed for children, the founders admit they often wear the bandages themselves.

What sets WaveAid apart is its focus on both performance and education. As lifeguards, Foster and Michael have used countless bandages over the years and wanted to create a product that actually stays on, doesn’t cause skin irritation, and remains comfortable during everyday activities. They were surprised that no company had created a high-quality bandage line centered around ocean lifeBeyond treating minor injuries, WaveAid aims to inspire curiosity about marine ecosystems and ocean conservation. Education and stewardship are central to the company’s mission, and the founders plan to support ocean-related nonprofits and lifeguard organizations as the business grows.

Both founders have deep roots in the Newport Beach community. Foster is a graduate of Corona del Mar High School and the University of California, Irvine, while Michael attended Mater Dei High School and the University of Southern California. They credit their lifeguarding careers with surrounding them with talented mentors, friends, and colleagues who encouraged them throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

For Foster and Michael, building WaveAid in Newport Beach was never just about selling bandages. It was about creating a community-driven brand inspired by the place they call home.

“We love Newport Beach and wanted to build something with a genuine culture behind it rather than a corporate monster,” says Vaughan.

Looking ahead, WaveAid plans to expand into surf shops, aquariums, pediatricians' offices, local pharmacies, and other retailers. The company also hopes to introduce additional ocean animals and educational products in the future.

Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?

“Get used to hurdles and obstacles because you will run into them and you must overcome them. The challenges are part of the journey. Enjoy the ride!”

WaveAid products are available at WaveAid.com and four Crown Ace Hardware stores across Orange County, with more retail locations coming soon