Hampton Lifeguard Association Presents Run-Swim-Run Benefit

After a successful summer kickoff event, the Hampton Lifeguard Association will be hosting Run-Swim-Run this Friday July 15th at 6 p.m. at Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett.

This is a fundraiser event that will support the HLA competition team and their trip to the USLA National Lifeguard Tournament. As a chapter of the nonprofit United States Lifeguard Association, the Hampton Lifeguard Association includes programs like lifeguard training, a junior lifeguard program, a volunteer ocean rescue squad, the East Hampton YMCA Hurricane Swim Club, swim programs, and competitions. Co-founder John Ryan Jr. and HLA Nationals Team Coordinator Bella Tarbet spoke more about the mission of HLA and what can be expected from the upcoming benefit.

Bella expressed that after the summer kickoff they’re now hoping this will be a fun benefit to raise money and bring the community together. She says, “This event is a fundraiser to raise money to send our competition team to California to coach our junior guards and compete at the lifeguard national tournament. It’s also a chance for community members to participate in a classic competitive lifeguarding event, the Run-Swim-Run!” 

The mission of Hampton Lifeguard Association is most importantly to waterproof Long Island’s South Fork and beyond with education and training. John says, “In order to promote the safe use and enjoyment of our many water resources in all communities, we provide assistance and participation in water safety programs and lifeguard activities that maintain the well-being for its members and the surrounding communities. In addition, we uphold a high standard of lifeguarding through training and lifeguard competitions for all age group programs.”

The fundraising events held by HLA have helped to support the progress of these programs and fund the purchasing of additional equipment that has been necessary for their growth. John says that the community can get involved by enrolling children in the Town and Village and YMCA RECenter swim programs including the summer nipper and junior lifeguard programs.

When asked what is special about the upcoming Run-Swim-Run event compared to other events that HLA has hosted in the past, John said, “This Run-Swim-Run event will help to raise money for the Junior Lifeguards and Lifeguard Instructors heading to the National Lifeguard Championships in Hermosa Beach, California. We are most looking forward to bringing the community together in support of our competitors as well as re-informing our mission.” Bella also expressed how much they are looking forward to bringing the community together for this event and having a great competition.

The competition will feature several junior guards who will showcase the knowledge they’ve learned through the junior lifeguard program. It will also include members of the community who will have the chance to compete in this unique event. John says, “Attendees can expect a fun and challenging evening race that showcases their skills of running and swimming with the support of all the spectators there to watch their accomplishments.”

Bella expressed how special this event is because “It will allow community members to experience what competitive lifeguarding is like.”

The Hamptons community showed how impactful it can be when supporters come together for an important cause with their summer kickoff event back in May. John and Bella hope that the community continues their unparalleled support of HLA, the competition team, and involvement in the cause of water safety and lifeguarding.

With the summer season well underway this is a great chance to support the community we all love, and a key reminder about the importance of safety in the water. Whether participating in the event, cheering on competitors, or donating, the HLA welcomes all support for a meaningful mission on the East End!

Registration for the Run-Swim-Run event will begin at 5:30 p.m. this Friday July 15th at Atlantic Avenue Beach. Race A will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will consist of a 1/2 mile run, 1/2 mile swim, 1/2 mile run. Race B will follow at 6:30 p.m. with a 1/4 run, 1/4 swim, 1/4 run.

To donate to the cause and learn more about Hampton Lifeguard Association, visit https://www.ehvor.org.