The Santa Barbara team?s dory is poised to launch into the surf. (Courtesy Photo)
Santa Barbara City Lifeguards represented the City of Santa Barbara in the Southern California Lifeguard Championships on Saturday in Hermosa Beach.
The 3-mile ?Taplin? relay event has been held at night under the spot lights since 1936, and is the most prestigious lifeguard event in the United States.
Team members (L to R):?Chris Day, Klarq Treiberg, Justin Weber, Lautaro Fesembech, Jason Masho, Justin Simandle, Sheldon Magner, Josh Pighetti, Liam Gaughan, Charlie Patch, David Schmidt
The relay consists of four swimmers, four paddlers, and four two-man dory crews that race around a course that alternatively takes each competitor out through the surf line to a buoy 200 yards out, and then back to the beach to tag the next team member.
The Santa Barbara Lifeguard team finished the event in a strong 9th place.
“This event is the most prestigious lifeguard competition in the United States and after a four-year absence we were finally able to send a team from Santa Barbara City to chase the elusive title,” said Santa Barbara City Aquatics Manager Rich Hanna. “We promise to be back stronger and more competitive in 2013.”
The Lifeguard Championships are connected with the 51st Surf Festival that includes the Manhattan Beach 6-Man Volleyball Tournament and the?International Bodysurfing Championship.
