State Park Lifeguards from across Maryland will compete in the Maryland Park Service (MPS) Lifeguard Competition at 1 p.m. on August 9 at Deep Creek Lake State Park in Garrett County.
“The Maryland Park Service employs some of the most dedicated, talented young adults as lifeguards at State Park beaches, lakes and pools,” said MPS Superintendent Nita Settina. “This competition showcases the skills that those guards utilize every day to ensure the safety of our visitors.”
Lifeguards from Deep Creek Lake, Herrington Manor, New Germany, Greenbrier, Sandy Point, Gunpowder Falls, Rocky Gap, Dan’s Mountain, Point Lookout, Cunningham Falls, Pocomoke River and Assateague State Parks are expected to compete in the event. Challenges will include a 300-yard swim, a rescue race, beach flags, the “Iron Guard” relay and the “Ultimate Challenge” obstacle course, in which lifeguards will compete for individual and team prizes.
Children and spectators will also have an opportunity to compete for prizes in a variety of water safety activities, featuring “PFD Panda,” the Department of Natural Resources’ water safety mascot.
Sponsors for the event include the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation, Adventure Sports Center International, Canoe on the Run, Garrett 8 Cinemas, Lakeside Creamery, Archie’s Barbeque, Wisp Resort, Marine Rescue Products and Friends of Maryland State Parks. The event is free of charge and spectators are encouraged to attend.
Maryland’s State Parks not only provide great outdoor recreation for Marylanders and visitors, they are also a great asset to State and local economies. According to a recent study, conducted in partnership with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, Maryland State Parks have an estimated annual economic benefit of more than $650 million. In 2010, visitors directly spent more than $567 million locally — $25.56 locally for every dollar the State invests in State Parks —during their visits. And almost 95 percent of visitors had their expectations met or exceeded during visits.
