2025 Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships
Get ready for two action-packed days on the beach as Volusia County Beach Safety and the Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association co-host the 2025 James P. “Mac” McCarthy Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships on July 23 and 24 in Daytona Beach.
This high-energy event brings together more than 200 of Florida’s top lifeguards for a regional competition showcasing the skill, strength, and lifesaving abilities that define the profession. Events run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, and from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, just outside the Hard Rock Hotel at 918 N. Atlantic Ave.
Volusia County Beach Safety will be among the teams competing in a series of intense races and challenges designed to simulate real-world rescue scenarios. Signature events include the Board Relay, Surf Ski, Board Race, and Surf Rescue.
Spectator Info
The championships are free to attend and open to the public. Spectators are welcome to bring beach chairs, drinks, and snacks and enjoy the excitement from the sand. The nearest beach access ramp is located at 940 N. Atlantic Ave. (University Boulevard), with additional off-beach parking available nearby at University Boulevard Beach Park, 834 N. Atlantic Ave. Volusia County residents registered with ParkVolusia may park for free.
To register a vehicle, visit www.parkvolusia.org. Non-Volusia residents may purchase a daily pass on-site or an annual pass by visiting the website.
Watch Online
Can’t make it to the beach? We’ve got you covered. All events will be livestreamed with commentary on the Volusia County Beaches Facebook and YouTube pages. Enjoy expert coverage, featured races, and exclusive interviews with competitors — all from the comfort of your home.
Join us in celebrating the dedication, athleticism, and teamwork that make these lifeguards true heroes of the shoreline.
Event and Stream Schedule
Wednesday, July 23
7/23 - 8:00 A.M. EST
Surf Swim Race
A straightforward yet demanding ocean swim course testing strength, navigation, and wave strategy.
7/23 - 8:30 A.M. EST
Rescue Board Race
Competitors paddle rescue boards through a surf course. Timing the waves correctly is critical for success.
7/23 - 9:30 A.M. EST
Surf Boat Race
Teams row a traditional surf boat through the break and back — a display of teamwork, strength, and timing.
7/23 - 11:00 A.M. EST
Rescue Race
One rescuer swims out to a “victim” in the surf, secures them, and both return to shore as quickly as possible. This event mirrors real-life rescue scenarios.
7/23 - 11:30 A.M. EST
Mixed Doubles Surf Boat Race
Pairs race surf boats through the surf in a mixed-gender challenge that emphasizes rhythm and power.
7/23 - 12:00 P.M. EST
Championship Highlights
Halftime post-race studio show with insights and analysis.
7/23 - 12:30 P.M. EST
Board Rescue Race
Two-person teams — one swimmer, one board paddler — demonstrate coordination and rescue technique in surf conditions.
7/23 - 1:00 P.M. EST
Singles Surf Boat Race
Individual rowers take on the surf solo — requiring strong technical rowing skills and endurance.
7/23 - 2:00 P.M. EST
Open Landline Race
A throwback-style event using a rope and reel system. Four-person teams rescue a swimmer using various formats. Victim starts at a flag in the water.
7/23 - 3:00 P.M. EST
American Ironman/Ironwoman Race
A triathlon-style challenge with swimming, board paddling, and running. Athletes must transition seamlessly between disciplines.
7/23 - 4:00 P.M. EST
Beach Flags (Prelims)
A high-intensity sprint event where athletes race to grab a baton (flag) buried in the sand — one fewer than the number of competitors. Prelims for Open division; prelims & finals for Age Groups.
7/23 - 4:30 P.M. EST
Championship Highlights
Post-race studio show with insights and analysis.
Thursday, July 24
7/24 - 8:00 A.M. EST
2K Beach Race
A grueling 2,000-meter race through soft sand that puts athletes’ speed and stamina to the test.
7/24 - 8:30 A.M. EST
Run-Swim-Run Race
Participants sprint from shore to sea, swim through surf, and then run to the finish. A fast-paced simulation of surf rescue endurance.
7/24 - 9:30 A.M. EST
Board Relay Race
Teams of three paddlers navigate the surf in a relay format. Coordination and fast transitions are key.
7/24 - 10:30 A.M. EST
Surf Ski Race
Competitors race long, narrow surf skis through the waves. It’s a high-speed ocean course that demands power and balance.
7/24 - 11:30 A.M. EST
90m Sprint Race
A short-distance beach sprint that tests acceleration, explosiveness, and technique in soft sand.
7/24 - 12:00 P.M. EST
Championship Highlights
Halftime post-race studio show with insights and analysis.
7/24 - 1:30 P.M. EST
International Ironman/Ironwoman Race
A more advanced surf lifesaving triathlon featuring surf ski paddling, board paddling, and swimming. This event demands peak endurance and versatility.
7/24 - 2:30 P.M. EST
Run Relay Race
A team sprint event with each member running a leg of the race in relay format.
7/24 - 3:30 P.M. EST
Taplin Relay Race
The most comprehensive team event: athletes rotate through swimming, board paddling, ski paddling, and running. A true showcase of all-around surf lifesaving skills.
7/24 - 4:30 P.M. EST
Championship Highlights
Post-race studio show with insights and analysis.
7/24 - 6:30 P.M. EST
Beach Flags Finals
Top qualifiers from Wednesday’s prelims return for the final round of this fan-favorite sprint event.
