Vol. 5, No. 7, July 2008
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The Four Fridays
Since 1924, South Jersey’s lifeguard competitions have been hard-fought tests of endurance, athleticism and sheer power
Here comes the oceanic Grand Slam. Just as golf has the U.S. Open, British Open, Masters and PGA championship, local lifeguards have the Atlantic City Beach Patrol Classic, the Dutch Hoffmans in Wildwood, the Margate Memorials and the South Jersey championships in Ventnor. The four events occur on successive Fridays beginning July 18, encompassing all 15 beach patrols in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
Atlantic City, the nation’s oldest beach patrol, was started in the late 1890s. It launches its Classic at Albany Avenue. Expect colorful boats, legions of people and substantial noise. It’s like an oversized beach bar with athletic competition. Lifeguard races often attract a couple thousand fans.
“We look at this as another attraction in a city that has many,” says Rod Aluise, chief of the Atlantic City Beach Patrol. “The casino people bring their families to watch. These races are colorful, recreational and have wide appeal. Even if you have come here to gamble, this is a great way to enjoy the beach. You can relax, have a good time and be part of a unique way to enjoy the resort.”
Officials stress the life-saving component of life guarding. Area patrols make thousands of rescues each year, using skills that may show up in a lifeguard event.
Races demand the strength of rowing, the agility to guide boats over three-to-six-foot swells, swimming, running, paddle-boarding and navigating varied ocean winds. Most events involve three or four individual races. The lineup includes a 1.5-mile doubles row, a 1,000-meter singles race and a half-mile swim. A paddle board race has been added to some of the events. Points are usually awarded to the top five teams in each race.
The beach patrols rank their top athletes according to internal competitions, then set them loose to compete against all other patrols. For most teams, a field of perhaps four has won the right to represent a patrol of 50 to 200 members. Many of their teammates come to root them on, creating a boisterous atmosphere.
Squads from Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, Longport, Avalon, Ocean City, Upper Township, Sea Isle City, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Cape May, Stone Harbor, North Wildwood and Cape May Point are represented at the four major summer events.
Lifeguard events are free to the public, typically take place at 6:30 p.m., and offer ample parking.
“The competition is serious and the intensity is high,” Aluise says. “The finest athletes compete in this event. These people train all year. It gives them a chance to fine-tune their skills and display them to the public.”
Bragging Rights - Ventnor Beach Patrol is the area’s recent kingpin. It owns a mini-dynasty at the South Jersey event with victories from 2001 to 2003, 2006 and 2007. As last year’s winner, it will host this year’s contests at the Suffolk Avenue beach.
The South Jerseys, begun in 1924, pre-date the casinos by 54 years and are considered the nation’s oldest lifeguard event. Winning is a prestigious distinction.
“It creates a lot of pride, especially among the patrols,” says John Hazlett, Ventnor Beach Patrol lieutenant. “The best part about the races is that they help maintain a long tradition and a focus for staying in shape for the job. They sharpen the lifeguards’ skills for saving lives and protecting people on the beach. The races are great for the morale of the patrols.”
Some athletes gained notoriety beyond the beach. Ventnor’s Wayne Colman became a star for the Eagles and Saints in the NFL. His son Doug, a lifeguard in Ventnor, played for the Giants and Titans.
“We’ve had all kinds of accomplished people in these races,” Hazlett says. “Between the FBI, college coaches, judges, doctors, lawyers, dentists and firefighters, you name it, that profession has been represented here.”
Even politicians. New Jersey State Senator Jim Whelan, also an Atlantic City mayor and champion swimmer, was inducted into the Atlantic City Beach Patrol Hall of Fame in 1994.
Support Your Local Lifeguard
July 18 Atlantic City Classic, Albany Avenue Beach
July 25 Dutch Hoffmans, Wildwood, Lincoln Avenue beach
August 1 Margate Memorials, Decatur Avenue beach
August 8 South Jersey championships, Ventnor, Suffolk Avenue beach
