VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — For three decades, the South Atlantic Lifesaving Association has held an annual competition among regional lifeguard agencies. Not only does it showcase the skilled training and impressive fitness levels of the brave lifeguards who protect our beachgoers, but it fosters camaraderie and healthy competition. It’s also pretty fun to watch.

The Virginia Beach competitors hail from the non-profit Virginia Beach Lifeguarding Association (VBLA). This chapter works diligently to fulfill the mission of the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service (VBLS), which includes ongoing public education of water safety, better standards for lifeguard agencies and motivation for the lifeguards throughout the summer. The annual competition is one of these motivational tools and by far the most anticipated.

The unique competition mimics life saving scenarios and covers most of the acquired skills a lifeguard needs to uphold the duties of the job. Events may include swimming, running, paddling, using paddle boards and surf skis, or a combination of these things. Relay events may include a rescue simulation relay, a sprint relay on the beach or the beach flag event. “The beach flag event is really fun and exciting,” said VBLS chief Tom Gill. “It’s basically the lifeguard version of musical chairs, but you lay on the sand, hop up and run to grab a flag. If you can’t get a flag, you’re out.”

The 2022 South Atlantic Lifesaving Championships will take place at our oceanfront Tuesday, July 12 through Thursday, July 14 and expects about 200 East Coast competitors from as far away as Jacksonville, FL. The event will also host the Inaugural Virginia Beach Junior Lifeguard Invitational. The junior lifeguard program works with kids 9-15 years old.

“The program provides incredible opportunities to learn about beach safety, see the job of lifeguarding and hopefully become excited about becoming lifeguards,” said Gill.

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