Run, swim, save! Lifeguards compete in statewide championships

Hundreds of lifeguards from throughout the state performed mock rescues as they competed in the 2016 California Surf Lifesaving Championships at Huntington State Beach on Saturday.

Lifeguards from about 30 agencies competed to earn the title of California’s Best Lifeguards.

Activities included surf boat races, run-swim-runs, rescue paddleboard races and the multi-discipline Ironman and Ironwomen competitions, which combine multiple activities.

“Fitness and endurance are required skills for ocean lifeguards. This is a unique event which showcases — in a competitive environment — the lifesaving techniques used daily by these lifeguards,” Michael A. Beuerlein, president of the California Surf Lifesaving Assn., said in a news release.