County lifeguards to defend national title
The Surf Boat Race (and collision derby) is one of 12 events featured in the Men’s and Women’s Open divisions. Photo
When Australia was awarded the 1956 Summer Olympic Games, its country’s volunteer lifesavers held an international, invitational competition featuring California lifeguards and a contingent from the Territory of Hawaii.
Comprised solely of L.A. County and L.A. City lifeguards, the California team organized itself under the banner of the Surf Life Saving Association of America (SLSA).
The inaugural event drew 115,000 spectators and, in what is now known as the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) National Lifeguard Championships, the event continues to thrive. In 1979, the word “surf” was dropped so the organization could include members of any ocean, bay, lake, river, or open water lifesaving or rescue service.
From Aug. 7-10, this year’s championship competition will be held in Manhattan Beach where defending champion and host L.A. Country Lifeguard Association will seek its continued dominance after capturing a remarkable 26th consecutive title in Cape May, NJ in 2012.
Manhattan Beach last hosted the USLA National Lifeguard Championships in 2008.
“Being the reigning champs for so long is a thrill,” said Joel Gitelson, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist for the L.A. County Fire Department. “To be able to give other teams the opportunity to come to California and compete on our home turf really is exciting because they get to see the challenges that we face with surf and crowd conditions. We also get to expose our guards to other agencies, because not all our competitors go on the road when we compete at other venues. The east coast teams (from Massachusetts to Florida) challenge us every step of the way. Friendships are made that will last a lifetime. I know I have many that would not have been possible without the National Championship event every year. We are a proud organization.”
The event kicks of Wednesday, Aug. 7, with the National Junior lifeguard Championships. The Junior Lifeguard Program has become one of the most popular activities in the Beach Cities.
“The Jr. Lifeguard Program has had a huge impact throughout Southern California,” Gitelson said. “So many go on to become part time and full time lifeguards as a result.”
Prelims for the National Lifeguard Championship will be held Thursday, Aug. 8 followed by the finals on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9-10.
Prior to the USLA National Lifeguard Championships, lifeguards will be competing in the International Surf Festival presented by BEACHSPORT.org, the Chambers of Commerce and Cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Department of Beaches and Harbors.
The L.A. County Lifeguard Championships take place Friday, Aug. 2 at the Hermosa Beach Pier and will feature U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter & L.A. County Lifeguard Rescue Demo, 6-Lifeguard Run Relay, Lifeguard Events and the Bud Stevenson Intracrew Medley Relay featuring Venice as defending champion.
On Saturday, Aug. 3, the Southern California Lifeguard Championships will be held at 7 p.m. in Hermosa Beach. The event features demonstrations and events including Junior Lifeguard Taplin, Lifeguard Beach Flags and the Judge Taplin Three-Mile Lifeguard Medley Relay won in 2012 by the L.A. County Central Section “A” team.
A lifeguard dory race is scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Hermosa Beach Pier.
For more information, visit uslanationals.org or surffestival.org.