Destin Team Wins Lifeguard Games

Nearly 200 lifeguards clad in shorts and swimsuits competed this month in a regional lifeguard competition.

18 teams of first responders from the Southeastern U.S. gathered for the James P. “Mac” McCarthy Memorial Surf Lifesaving Championship July 17 at Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Lifeguarding teams from Florida, Alabama, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands participated in the competition, which featured games including swimming, rowing and rescuing.

“The event was a great opportunity for people to learn different techniques and skills from other agencies,” Patrick Brafford of the Clearwater Beach Patrol told the Clearwater Gazette.

First place overall for lifeguarding went to a team from the Panhandle city of Destin.

Second and third place awards were also given, in addition individual men’s and women’s awards.