Fort Lauderdale Hosts 20th Annual Lifesaving Competition

Florida lifeguards to showcase ocean rescue skills

Matt Little, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4732 or MLittle@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - The City of Fort Lauderdale will host the 20th Annual Erik Jersted Relays Invitational Surf Lifesaving Competition on Monday, July 7th at 3:30 p.m. on Fort Lauderdale Beach at A1A and Southeast 5th Avenue.

The event is the best-attended lifeguard competition in the state of Florida, boasting over 200 lifeguard competitors annually.

“Tournaments provide important motivation for lifeguards to maintain top physical conditioning and expert techniques, thereby ensuring a high level of protection for the public,” said Lt. James McCrady of Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue.

Last year the event was renamed in honor of legendary Fort Lauderdale Lifeguard Erik Jersted, who passed away a year ago on the anniversary of this year’s event.

Lifeguard teams from across Florida will compete in the following events:

Events - Teams - Times

1. Surfboat Relay - 4 person teams - 4:00 - 4:30
2. Swim Relay - 4 person teams - 4:45 - 5:00
3. Rescue Board Relay - 4 person teams - 5:15 - 5:30
4. Landline Rescue Relay - 5 person teams - 5:45 - 6:00
5. Lifesaving Medley Relay - 5 person teams - 6:15 - 6:30
6. Surf Dash Relay - 4 person teams - 6:45 - 7:00
7. Surf Ski Relay - 4 person teams - 7:15 - 7:30
8. Medley Run Relay - 4 person teams - 7:45 - 8:00

For registration information, contact Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue at (954) 828-4577.