Teams of lifeguards came together to compete in a challenge that showcases and tests lifesaving skills. The 11th annual SCRPA Lifeguard Competition was held June 26 at the R.L. Jones Center and Folly Beach County Park.
First place was awarded to the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department’s Park West team, composed of Marcus Gardner, Julia Long, Victor Long and Lyndse Melhorn.  Teams from the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission took both second and third place in the competition.  
Pool events included Spinal Injury Management, Brick Tow Relay, 50-yard sprint, Submerged Deep Water Rescue with CPR, 500-yard swim and 100-yard relay.  Following the pool events, the competition continued at Folly Beach County Park with beach events including Run-Swim-Run, One-mile run, Beach Flags and Active Rescue events.
To qualify to compete, all participants were required to be certified through an accredited agency.  Teams were composed of three to four members, with at least one male and one female on each team.  
The Mount Pleasant Recreation Department also hosted a three-person team of lifeguards, composed of Sami Fessler, Dave Johnston and Danielle McAdory, who were new to the competition.  According to MPRD Aquatics Coordinator Jeff Garrard, competing on a three-person team was quite a challenge for these lifeguards, as most teams were composed of four competitors. “They each had to do all of the beach events. But they worked hard and were very good sports,” Garrard said.
For further information on the SCRPA Lifeguard Competition, contact Garrard at 884-2528.