(OCEAN CITY, Md.)- Nearly 200 members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) will gather on Saturday, July 25, to compete in the annual competitions between the department's various crews.
The event takes place on the beach at N. Division Street beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will host 17 crews of guards from the OCBP.
"Our annual crew competition has great spectator appeal and visitors to Ocean City are encouraged to come out and support the lifeguards from their beach," commented Ocean City Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin.
"It is a high-energy lifesaving exhibition and competition that our residents and visitors look forward to each year. Even many of our local businesses support the crews from their area by providing banners, uniforms, and food to show their appreciation for the work our lifeguards do every day by keeping their patrons safe."
With employees dressing up in a crew "theme" for the competitions, citizens are encouraged to come out and cheer on their favorite guards. The competitions include a run-swim-run relay, paddleboard relay, a tug of war, a soft sand relay and land line challenge. "This competition has been taking place since 1976," Arbin continued. "It is a special event and a great way to spend an evening with family or friends, while also supporting Ocean City's lifeguards. It has become a tradition that not only our department enjoys but an event that many of our residents and visitors look forward to as well."