Manhattan Beach Lifeguards Win Relay Event

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA —Manhattan Beach ocean lifeguards are among the winners of the ISF 2021 "Judge Irvin Taplin Medley Relay that took place on Saturday, July 31, at Hermosa Beach.

The event featured four swimmers, four paddlers, and four Dory boat crews. Dubbed the L.A. County Southern "A" team, it took the race lead early and never looked back.

In addition to the four county teams, competitors from five outside agencies comprised the 10-team Taplin line-up. A first-ever all women's team, "Women's All-Stars," also participated.

At the conclusion, members of the winning Taplin team each rang the coveted Taplin Bell the number of times they have been on a winning team over the years.

The “Taplin” was among the several events contested at the second night of the International Surf Festival’s Lifeguard Events held on the sand at Hermosa Beach, just north of the pier.

The Chris Linkletter Women's Surf Relay returned for its third year and boasted all female teams from LA County, as well as outside agency teams from Pt. Mugu, Crystal Cove, Long Beach and Orange County Lifeguards.

The Lifeguard events take place under the lights. The events are held at night because the lifeguards work protecting the beaches during the day.

Spectators filled the sand and line the railing of the Pier to catch the action.

The two nights of racing were part of the four-day, 58th Annual International Surf Festival.