Cape Cod Lifeguards Battle On Sand and In Surf

44th Annual Cape Cod Life Saving Competition

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CENTERVILLE – Lifeguards from across Cape Cod were put to the test Friday at Craigville Beach in Centerville at the 44th Annual Cape Cod Lifesaving Competition.

The guards competed in 13 grueling events that included Iron Man and Women events, swim and paddleboard relays and swim rescues.

The eleven teams that took part, including one that came down from Oguquit, Maine, were divided into surf and non-surf categories.

And when the sand settled, Barnstable extended its long winning-streak, coming in first in the non-surf division.

It’s the 10th year in a row Barnstable has won the non-surf division. Yarmouth came in second.

The Cape Cod National Seashore picked up first in the surf division, with Wellfleet coming in second.

According to Barnstable Leisure Services Director Patti Machado, the competition began more than four decades ago after a person drowned in a rip current in Orleans.

It was developed to bring awareness of the need and importance for lifeguards and training.

“There was a little friction between the community and the guard who wanted to make change,” said Machado.

“So 44 years ago this all began.”

One of the guards involved in that rescue year ago, Lee Anderson, is still one of the organizers of the annual competition.

Machado said all the team members prepared for Friday’s event.

“They work every day like to prepare for this event, but also to stay fit to do the job,” said Machado.

“So this just encourages them to work and stay fit.”

By MATT PITTA, CapeCod.com News Director

Here is the full list of how each team placed:

Non-Surf Division:

  1. Barnstable
  2. Yarmouth
  3. Falmouth
  4. Dennis
  5. Harwich
  6. Chatham

 

Surf Division:

 

  1. Cape Cod National Seashore
  2. Wellfleet
  3. Oqunquit, Maine
  4. Nauset
  5. Truro

 

 

 

 

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