Greenbrier State Park to Host Annual Lifeguard Competition

Boonsboro, Md. (July 31, 2012) ─ Approximately 70 Maryland State Park lifeguards will compete against one another at the annual Maryland Park Service (MPS) Lifeguard Competition, starting at 1 p.m. on August 7 at Greenbrier State Park. The competitors will swim, run and climb their way through a variety of physical and technical challenges in hopes of scoring top honors.

“Maryland State Park lifeguards work tirelessly every day to ensure swimmers’ safety,” said MPS Superintendent Nita Settina. “This event is the perfect opportunity for these dedicated and skilled individuals to demonstrate the talents that they work so hard to master.”

Events at this year’s competition will include beach flags, a 300-yard swim, a rescue race, and the Iron Guard and Ultimate Challenge obstacle courses. Participants can earn prizes three ways ─ individual, top overall male and female, and as a team for their park.

Lifeguards from State Parks throughout Maryland will compete in the event. MPS invites visitors to stop by the competition and show their support by cheering on the contestants. The MPS Lifeguard Competition is sponsored by the Friends of Greenbrier. More information is available by calling the Park at 301-791-4767.

Maryland’s State Parks not only provide great outdoor recreation for Marylanders and visitors, they are also a great asset to State and local economies. According to a recent study, conducted in partnership with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, Maryland State Parks have an estimated annual economic benefit of more than $650 million. In 2010, visitors directly spent more than $567 million locally — $25.56 locally for every dollar the State invests in State Parks — during their visits. And almost 95 percent of visitors had their expectations met or exceeded during visits.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. 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