Warming up; getting ready. ©

By Paul Goldfinger,  Sports Editor @Blogfinger

Teams from the surrounding  shore communities competed in this annual event.  There were about 100 participants from 11 lifeguard squads.  The Ocean Grove team had 10 members for this competition, including two women.  A large crowd was present to witness the exciting contest.  Spring Lake was the winner, with Sea Girt and Long Branch being tied for second.  Allenhurst came in third.  Ocean Grove was eighth, but it won the Blogfinger Cup for best in show  (i.e. best looking.)

They really should have a swimsuit competition also so that the audience can know what’s going on during at least one event.  I did spot one thong bathing suit, and it was on a guy from another team–not OG.  (I have the photo to prove it, but that picture leaves me cold.)     The light was good, so here is the Blogfinger Annual Lifeguard Photo Gallery.

Waiting for the event to begin. These two ran by while I was photographing a kayak. All photos by Paul Goldfinger. click to enlarge ©

OG teammates await their event. ©

At the finish line.

XX XY event. ©

Surfboard race. Long Branch is green. ©

This race is over for these Grover guards,  but the melody lingers on—Bay Watch for women. ©

#5. Somebody has to hold the lane markers. ©

Capsize. Not everybody lands right side up. ©

THE SOUL VENDORS:   “Surfing Medicine.”