OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Lifeguards from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts put their skills to the test in the annual New England Lifeguard Competition Monday afternoon.
With the beach as their stage, six teams representing Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford, Wells, Ogunquit, Salisbury, Mass., and Hampton, N.H. swam, ran, paddle-boarded and performed rescue drills, among other activities. Competitors were cheered on by fellow lifeguards, as well as friends, family members and beach-goers who lined up to watch the festivities.
Phil Bourassa, lifeguard lieutenant with the Town of Old Orchard Beach and event coordinator, said there is no need for extra training for this event, as lifeguards train every day, starting their shift with two-mile runs and performing various drills. The competition, he said, is a fun way to put their skills to the test.
“It’s a great event. It brings all the beaches together and friendly competition,” said Bourassa. “We get to put on a show for our beach patrons.”
The event also raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.
Bourassa said they expected to raise between $1,500 and $2,000.
Old Orchard Beach Assistant Lifeguard Captain Wes Rhames facilitated the event.
“Everyone works so hard to stay in shape, basically so you can pull people out of the water, and this is a fun way to show it off,” said Rhames.
C.J. Cronin, lifeguard supervisor at Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Massachusetts, accepted the first place overall trophy, along with an inflatable lobster, for his team.
Cronin, who has been participating in the event for about six years, said he enjoyed the event and he enjoyed coming up to Old Orchard Beach to participate.
“It’s such a fun place to come for something like this,” he said.
Cronin said the competition was a chance to meet other lifeguards and spend time with his friends.
“We get to have some fun in the sun,” he said.
Second place overall went to Ogunquit, third place to Hampton Beach, fourth to Old Orchard Beach, fifth to Wells, and sixth to Biddeford.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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