Maryland Park Service Hosts Annual Lifeguard Competition

Kingsville, MD – Lifeguards across the state from Gunpowder Falls State Park to Sandy Point State Park will converge at 12 p.m. at the Hammerman Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park on Wednesday, August 5 to compete in the Maryland State Lifeguard Competition.

“The lifeguards employed by Maryland State Parks are very dedicated, talented individuals,” said Nita Settina, Superintendent of the Maryland Park Service. “The skills that these young people utilize everyday in protecting the safety of our visitors will be on display during this competition.”

Challenges include a one-mile run, 500-yard swim, beach flags, a water relay challenge, a tug of war and an obstacle course. Lifeguards will win prizes for first, second and third place.

Lifeguards from Maryland State Parks, including Greenbrier, Sandy Point, Gunpowder Falls, New Germany, Rocky Gap, Herrington Manor, Deep Creek Lake, Point Lookout, Cunningham Falls, Pocomoke River, and Assateague are expected to compete in the events. Snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the day and a meal will be served at the conclusion of competitive events. The event is free of charge and spectators are welcome to attend, however there is a $3.00 per person service charge to enter the park.

For directions and more information about Gunpowder Falls State Park, please visit http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/central/gunpowder.html.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov