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…
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