Judge Irving Taplin Medley Relay
The Lifeguard Taplin relay consists of four swimmers, four paddlers, and four 2-man dory teams. This annual lifeguard event is the most prestigious lifeguard event in the United States. The Taplin relay has been held every year since 1936 with the exception of 1942 thru 1945, when the event was suspended during World War II. The race is held at night under under the spot lights which allows lifeguards to safeguard the beaches during the day and race at night.
Teams from various lifeguard services from throughout Southern California compete in this event each year. This year a team from Victoria, Australia will compete against the our lifeguards in the Taplin relay. The winning team get the honor of holding the "Taplin Bell" perpetual trophy until the following years race. The individual names of all sixteen team members from the winning team are engraved on the perpetulal trophy to mark their place in history.
In the evening prior to the Taplin relay, spectators will be treated to rescue demonstrations, Jr. Lifeguard relays, and Lifeguard Beach Flags.
