Southampton lifeguards to clash in lifesaving competitions

Lifeguards from the Town of Southampton’s beaches will compete Thursday in the town’s annual lifeguard competition.

This year’s event is named ‘The Mike Diveris Battle of Southampton’ to honor one of the founders of the town’s lifeguard group who passed away in June. Diveris became a Southampton lifeguard in 1969 and was the first town lifeguard to pass the Suffolk County ocean test.

The competition, which includes lifesaving, running and swimming events, starts at 6 p.m. at Scott Cameron Beach in Bridgehampton.

Then on July 25, one men’s team and one women’s team from Southampton will also compete in East Hampton Village’s 33rd annual lifeguard tournament at Main Beach. Last year, the Southampton women’s team won first place in both the landline rescue and the sprint relay.

“These tournaments are a great opportunity to showcase our lifeguards’ skill and athleticism against neighboring lifeguard squads,” said Southampton Parks Director Kristen Doulos in a statement. “The competitions are tough and each year we are very proud of the Southampton team, who exemplify the outstanding guards we have protecting our beach goers.”

On July 31, an evening fundraiser will be held at Oakland’s Restaurant in Hampton Bays to support the Southampton lifeguards in this year’s U.S. Lifesaving Association National Lifeguard Championships, held in Virginia Beach in August. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and guests under 21.