Lifeguards have postponed the 64th annual Ron Trenton Lifeguard Relay event until further notice. The Ron Trenton Memorial Lifeguard Relays, an exciting and highly challenging competition among lifeguards were scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 2 in Ocean Beach. The relays include 12 legs which demonstrate the variety of rescue techniques used in ocean rescue such as running, swimming, paddle boarding and landline rescue.
San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Lifeguard Services Division is geographically divided into four districts: Southern includes Ocean Beach; central includes Mission Beach and Pacific Beach; northern includes the La Jolla beaches; and the fourth district includes Mission Bay and the Boating Safety Unit.
“I am proud of the lifesaving and community service our lifeguards provide to the visitors to our beaches and bays,” said Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. “This is a great event to show off their exceptional skills and the results of their training. We hope to see many members of the public at the relays.”
The lifeguard relays inspire esprit de corps and healthy competition among the lifeguards of different districts as well as encouraging them to perfect their abilities. It’s also a great opportunity for the public to see the lifeguards performing lifesaving skills.
“Our lifeguards are incredibly fit and skilled,” said Lifeguard Chief Rick Wurts. “These relays illustrate their amazing lifesaving capabilities, and show the public what it takes to do their jobs on a daily basis. There is a long history of traditions in the lifeguard service. This tradition is near and dear to our hearts because it honors a former lifeguard and friend – and it’s great fun.”
The event is named after veteran lifeguard and longtime northern district Team Captain, Ronald B. Trenton. Ron was lost at sea while piloting his private plane from Catalina Island to San Diego in 1997.