By DON STINE
Bradley Beach lifeguards pulled ahead of their life-saving peers last week during the borough’s annual lifeguard tournament.
The Bradley Beach Lifeguard Tournament, held July 17, has been going on for at least 50 years and other shore towns have similar tournaments, said tournament organizer Dick Johnson.
“I thought the tournament went very well and Bradley Beach’s performance was truly outstanding,” he said.
Based on final scores, Bradley Beach won the tournament, out of a 10-team field, with 37 points. Belmar was second with 24 points.
Johnson said such tournaments are a basic part of a lifeguard’s training.
“The purpose is to have them demonstrate life-saving skills and to have them prepare for the tournament. This is not just a tournament, but it has real practical applications. Paddling, boating and swimming are skills they use every day. It’s a grueling job and a lot tougher than people realize,” he said.
Johnson said that New Jersey, particularly Monmouth County, has some of the best lifeguards in the country. Monmouth County comes in second to Los Angeles County lifeguards every year in the National Lifeguard Championships.
The final Scores for the tournament are:
BRADLEY BEACH: 37
BELMAR: 24
OCEAN GROVE: 23
SEA GIRT: 23
MANASQUAN: 21
SPRING LAKE: 20
ASBURY PARK: 9
SANDY HOOK: 9
AVON: 8
MON. COUNTY PARKS: 0
Below is a slideshow from the tournament. Click on any image to begin and view full size. All photos by THE COASTER.
