Sandy Hook's All-Women Lifeguard Tournament Is Next Wednesday

HIGHLANDS, NJ — Splash! Sandy Hook will host its annual all-women's lifeguard tournament next Wednesday, July 31.

The public is invited to come and watch as female lifeguards from across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the surrounding area compete in 10 athletic events. In fact, women come from up and down the East Coast to participate in the event every summer.

The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, July 31 at Beach Lot E at Sandy Hook. It last until 6 p.m. that evening. And if you want to compete, you don't have to register in advance. Lifeguards can just show up the day of and register.

"We typically have lifeguard teams from the Jersey Shore, Long Island, Delaware and Maryland," said Sandy Hook spokeswoman Daphne Yun.

This event has the honor of being the oldest and largest all-women lifeguard tournament in North America, and it is hosted at the end of every July by Sandy Hook/Gateway National Recreation Area/the U.S. National Park Service. Sandy Hook is a federal park.

The 10 events highlight the fitness, skill, strength and endurance of contestants in lifeguarding, which is still a male-dominated profession.

WHERE: Gateway National Recreation Area’s Sandy Hook Unit in Highlands, N.J., Beach Lot E.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 31, 2019, beginning at 9 a.m.

WHO: Women lifeguards at any beach, lake or pool.

Note: Wear clothing and footwear appropriate for the beach in the summer as well as sunscreen. Bring water.