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In a thrilling display of athleticism and teamwork, the lifeguards from Sea Colony made significant waves at the 2024 United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) National Lifeguard Championships, held in South Padre Island, Texas, from August 6-9. This event, often compared to the Super Bowl of competitive lifesaving, saw the Sussex County Lifesaving Association (SCLA) secure its first-ever national championship title!
The SCLA’s victory was not just another win; it was a major shift in the landscape of competitive lifesaving. Traditionally dominated by teams from California and New Jersey, the title had never before been claimed by a team from outside these powerhouses. But this year, the lifeguards from Delaware broke that tradition, finishing in first place with an impressive 1,465 points—surpassing Los Angeles County, CA, and Monmouth County, NJ, who placed second and third.
At the heart of this monumental achievement were the lifeguards from Sea Colony: Elizabeth Fry, Sam Peterson, Dave Griffith, and Cindy Fajardo. Together, they contributed a remarkable 190.25 points to the SCLA’s overall score, showcasing their skills in a variety of demanding events.
Elizabeth Fry: A Standout Performer
Elizabeth Fry was a force to be reckoned with, leading Sea Colony’s charge by amassing 100.5 points—placing her second in overall points scored for all women at the competition. Fry’s top performances included:
Surf Race: 2nd Place
Run Swim Run: 2nd Place
Board Race: 3rd Place
Taplin Relay: 3rd Place
Ironwoman: 2nd Place
Board Rescue: 5th Place
Board Relay: 3rd Place
Sam Peterson: A Promising Debut
Making his first appearance at the lifeguard nationals, Sam Peterson delivered strong performances across his events, contributing 1.5 points. His notable achievements included making the finals in the Run Swim Run and Surf Race events and finishing 13th in the Taplin Relay.
Dave Griffith: A Veteran Competitor
Dave Griffith demonstrated his versatility by competing in both Open and Age Group events, earning a total of 29.5 points. He secured 3 Open points and an additional 26.5 points in the Age Group category, where he placed 8th overall among male competitors. Highlights of his performance include:
Open Events:
Taplin Relay: 13th Place
Co-ed Surfboat: 14th Place
Singles Surfboat: 15th Place
Age Group Events:
Surf Race: 3rd Place
Run Swim Run: 2nd Place
Board Race: 2nd Place
Surf Ski: 2nd Place
American Ironman: 1st Place
Ironman: 2nd Place
Doubles Surfboat: 1st Place
Cindy Fajardo: A Top Competitor in Age Group Events
Cindy Fajardo, another key player from Sea Colony, excelled in both Open and Age Group categories, earning 34.75 Open points and 24 Age Group points, placing her 3rd overall among female Age Group competitors. Her impressive finishes include:
Open Events:
Rescue Race: 2nd Place
Taplin Relay: 3rd Place
Doubles Surfboat: 4th Place
Board Relay: 9th Place
Singles Surfboat: 10th Place
Surf Ski: 13th Place
Age Group Events:
Surf Race: 2nd Place
Run Swim Run: 3rd Place
Board Race: 1st Place
Surf Ski: 2nd Place
American Ironwoman: 2nd Place
2k Beach Run: 2nd Place
A Historic Team Effort
The Sea Colony lifeguards were part of a larger, cohesive effort by the entire Sussex County Lifesaving Association, which included: Delaware State Beach Patrol, Rehoboth Beach Patrol, Dewey Beach Patrol, Sussex Shores Beach Patrol, North Bethany Beach Patrol, Bethany Beach Patrol, Sea Colony Beach Patrol, Middlesex Beach Patrol, and Fenwick Island Beach Patrol. Team Captain Derek Shockro captured the importance of the victory, stating, “Talent wins local competitions, but teamwork and smart surf racing wins national championships. Delaware came together and delivered knock-down performances on the beach and in the surf, topping the most powerful programs from New Jersey, Florida, and California. This is just another reason why Delaware is the FIRST state!”
The win at the USLA National Lifeguard Championships not only highlighted the exceptional abilities of individual competitors like Elizabeth Fry but also underscored the strength of a unified team effort. The Sea Colony guards, along with their Sussex County teammates, have set a new standard in lifeguard competitions, proving that with determination, teamwork, and a little bit of Delaware pride, anything is possible.
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