Lifeguards Joust on Land and Sea

Lifeguards from Santa Cruz to San Diego mobbed the shores of Seal Beach this weekend for a sponsored by the California Surf Life Saving Association.

This was the event's second year in Seal Beach, and competitors and organizers alike said the weather and atmosphere made it an ideal location.

Among the contestants was Eldin Onsgard, a 60-year-old lifeguard based at Will Rogers State Beach, who said he participates every year. In 2008, Onsgard won the American Ironman Competition, racing against all age groups in a combination run, swim and row.

“It’s a privilege to do this and I’m going to hang in there as long as I can,” Onsgard said.

Because many lifeguards are athletes, there is a natural desire to compete, event officials said.

“Lifeguards are competitive and we like to show our stuff,” said Seal Beach Marine Safety Chief Joe Bailey, a veteran lifeguard who helped organize the two-day event.

Winners of this weekend’s assorted land and aquatic races will advance to the U.S. Lifesaving Association Lifeguard National Championships in Cape May, NJ, in August.

In Seal Beach, the with nearly 2,000 junior lifeguards battling it out in running, swimming and paddling events. The young competitors put on an impressive show of talent and skills, Bailey said.

On Saturday, the pros took over. Almost 200 adult lifeguards dueled in races on foot, in the water and aboard boats.

Kelsea O’Donnell, a Long Beach lifeguard, and Alison Riddle of Hermosa Beach conquered the competition in the women’s surfboat event, earning the duo honorary blue baseball caps that designate first place winners.

O’Donnell is in her sixth season as a lifeguard and said she was inspired to pursue the career by her father and sister, who are both lifeguards.  

“It’s the best job,” she said. “I get to run around on the beach, save lives and get paid for it.”

Although it was a competition, Riddle said the atmosphere was friendly and encouraging.

“When you do well, they cheer you, and when you don’t do well, they cheer you too,” she said.

Riddle was a star at the event, also picking up first place in the women's ironman competition and rescue board race.  of Venice won the men's ironman.

Because being physically fit is a job requirement, O’Donnell echoed other lifeguards who said they compete partly to stay in shape. But the event is also a social affair.

“When you come to compete that just means more time in the ocean and more time with your friends,” said Mike Murphy, a Manhattan Beach lifeguard.