Volusia County to Host Lifeguard Competition

Posted On: June 27, 2025

Volusia County Beach Safety and the Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association will host the 2025 James P. “Mac” McCarthy Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships on July 23 and 24 — a high-energy, two-day competition spotlighting the skill, endurance, and lifesaving expertise of Florida’s top lifeguards.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 23 and 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 24, more than 200 lifeguards from over 20 teams across the state will go head-to-head on the beach outside the Hard Rock Hotel, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. In addition to co-hosting the event, Volusia County Beach Safety will field its own team, joining fellow lifeguards in a series of water-based challenges, beach sprints, and relay races — all designed to mirror the real-life demands of professional lifesaving.

Some of the featured events include the Board Relay, Surf Ski, Board Race, and Surf Rescue.

Spectators are invited to watch for free and are encouraged to bring chairs, drinks, and snacks to enjoy from the sand. The nearest beach access ramp is at University Boulevard, located at 940 N. Atlantic Ave. Off-beach parking is available just down the road at University Boulevard Beach Park, 834 N. Atlantic Ave. Volusia County residents registered with ParkVolusia may park at no cost.

For those unable to attend in person, every competition will be livestreamed on the Volusia County Beaches Facebook and YouTube pages. Viewers can expect play-by-play commentary, enhanced coverage of featured events, and exclusive pre- and post-race interviews with competing lifeguards — bringing the energy and excitement of the championships directly to their screens.

A full event schedule will be shared closer to the championship, and media preview opportunities will be announced in advance. For additional event details, contact Beach Safety Deputy Chief AJ Miller at ajmiller@volusia.org.