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LIFE

Lifeguard Olympics unite Sussex guards

Jack Rodgers
The Daily Times
Ocean City Beach Patrol show their colors as the 39th Annual Lifeguard Olympics were held under threatening skies on Thursday, July 28 on the beach at Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach with Beach Patrols from Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, South Bethany, Middlesex, Fenwick Island, Delaware State Parks and Ocean City.

Even as black clouds drew closer to Rehoboth Beach on July 28, the lifeguard Olympics, the annual gathering of all Sussex County lifeguards, still marched on.

As ominous sounds of thunder drew closer, guards from all of Delaware plunged into the water to compete in various events.

The Olympics consist of 11 specific events: the mile run, landline, half-mile swim, paddleboard rescue, run-swim-run, half mile paddle, 4-by-220 run relay, iron may medley, surf dash relay, beach flags and the tug-of-war.

Each event has specific types of guards which compete in each event. More experienced guards compete in tougher events — one of the toughest events being the run-swim-run.

The competition has taken place for 38 years — the first Olympic competition taking place in 1978. For 2016, the weather allowed for only four events and the beach patrols are discussing a time to possibly finish the event on another day.

Rehoboth Beach Patrol has won the past four years with Ocean City winning the previous two prior to Rehoboth's run.

“It’s just a cool way to get all the guards together, and make some new friends,” said Eric Ortiz, a Rehoboth Beach lifeguard. “You work eight hours a day with these people, and to be able to compete with them brings you closer together with them.”

Upon arrival to the event, guards are painted with permanent marker on their arms, displaying the town in which they guard. After splitting into different circles and groups, all guards come together to cheer on all competing.

“I think it’s cool over the course of the summer, that we’re all focused on our jobs everyday on the chair,” said Sebastian Weeks, a South Bethany lifeguard. “But this is a time where we all get to come together and take place in some friendly competition. You end up meeting some really cool people after.”

James Macnair, a second year guard for South Bethany, also said the annual Olympics were an easy way to gather lifeguards together.

“It definitely gets exciting,” Macnair said. “Bobbing out of the water when you’re swimming, and seeing the people next to you is exhilarating. To hear everyone cheering as you’re coming in is really exciting as well.”

As crowds gathered despite the weather looming over the beach, the feeling of positivity and connection between guards and spectators grew. Those clapping for specific cities and guards quickly turned to cheering for everyone in attendance, regardless of affiliation.

“You’re racing with these people and you’re just trying to do your best,” Ortiz said, “but you can tell that you’re also trying to win.

"It’s a great time for everyone.”