CAPE MAY POINT — Debbie Bateman, of Ventnor, was the overall winner of the 1st Annual Cape May Point Women’s Lifeguard Challenge July 16.
Bateman, a lifeguard for eight years, said while she didn’t train for the competition but she stays in shape to work as a guard.
“This is the hardest race I’ve ever done,” she said, noting the competition was nearly 30 minutes long.
The race consisted of a 1.2 mile run, a three-quarter mile paddle on a surfboard and a half-mile swim. Bateman turned in a winning time of 28 minutes and 15 seconds.
All 15 beach patrols in the South Jersey Chief’s Association were invited to compete.
Competitors gathered at St. Peters Beach under clear blue skies with a sea breeze to compete as the golden, setting sun illuminated the course.
Second place winner in the individual category was Kenna Moran of Wildwood Crest with a time of 29 minutes 37 seconds.
Third place individual winner was Mackenzie Howarth of Ventnor with a time of 30:44.
Ventnor also won the best team category with Bateman and Mackenzie Howarth.
Second place team win went to Wildwood Crest: Kenna Moran and Rose Brenner.
Third place team win was awarded to Stone Harbor: Lyndsay Harper and Emily McVan.
Cape May Point Beach Patrol Medic Chris Garrison told a large audience gathered on the beach the Point was “not your average beach,” due to unusual currents, tide issues and a lot of soft sand.
A moment silence was observed for former beach director Bob Grubb Sr. who passed away last year.
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