The 49th annual Rehoboth Beach Patrol Lifeguard Olympics brought together 13 beach patrol teams from Delaware and Ocean City, Md., for an evening of friendly competition, athleticism and camaraderie. Events began at 6:30 p.m., July 23, with winners announced shortly after 10:30 p.m.

The Delaware State Beach Patrol claimed the overall title with 116 points, nearly doubling the score of runner-up Dewey Beach Patrol, which finished with 60 points. Bethany Beach Patrol placed third with 58 points, followed by Lewes Beach Patrol in fourth with 50 points. 

The competition tested lifeguards' knowledge, strength, skills and endurance through a series of individual and team events. Men and women competed in a variety of challenges, including the landline, mile run, half-mile paddle, half-mile swim, 4-by-200 sprint relay, run-swim-run, paddleboard rescue, ironman medley, beach flags and tug-of-war. Some events featured combined men's and women's teams, while others were contested separately.

Ideal weather, high energy and enthusiastic support from fellow lifeguards helped create a lively atmosphere throughout the evening. A large crowd of spectators, supporters and curious Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk visitors gathered to watch the action unfold.

"It's a pretty much half lifeguards, and another half is spectators," said Rehoboth Beach Patrol Capt. Nico Caceres. "There's a lot of people just watching and enjoying. They see it from the boardwalk and come down, so I'm glad that they're able to enjoy this event. It's fun to have some nightlife to go around."