By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
Fresh off a hard-fought second-place finish at the Texas Gulf Coast Regional Lifeguard Championships, Cameron County’s lifeguards are preparing for their biggest challenge yet: the USLA Lifeguard National Championships in California. Before they take the field, though, they’re calling on the community for support.
“On our Instagram, spila.tx, we are currently selling raffle entries and will be raffling off over thirty great prizes donated by local businesses from gift cards to dolphin cruises,” said Lt. Joslyn Blanco of the Cameron County Beach Patrol. “We will be livestreaming the raffle on August 1st at 6 p.m. through Instagram Live, and it will be a raffle you don’t want to miss!” She added that direct donations are also welcome. “Please contact Chief Arturo Hurtado at (956) 455-8727 if you’re interested in donating.”
The fundraiser comes on the heels of the team’s standout performance at regionals, where lifeguards competed in both individual and relay events. The atmosphere, according to Blanco, was lively but focused.
“It was a friendly but high-energy atmosphere, especially coming back every year and seeing a lot of familiar faces,” she said. “Prior to our races, we were taking the time to catch up with our fellow lifeguards, but when the whistle blew, we would lock in with one thing in mind. Winning.”
The results spoke for themselves. Cameron County brought home second place overall and now has its sights set on a national stage that includes Division I athletes, former Olympians, and elite-level competitors.
“We’re really excited about heading to the Nationals in California,” Blanco said. “It will be a very different terrain from South Padre Island with a large shore break and no sandbars. We’re expecting some super tough competition including lifeguards who treat this like their full-time career. Our main goal is to give it our all, make it to finals, and make Cameron County proud.”
Representing the region is more than a professional milestone. For many on the team, it’s deeply personal.
“It’s an incredible honor to represent Cameron County on a national stage,” said Blanco. “I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our community. It means the world to know that our hometown is behind us every step of the way.”
Their performance on the sand is grounded in an intense daily schedule that balances athletic training with public safety responsibilities. Blanco explained that the team’s day begins at 7:30 a.m. with a 90-minute workout focused on strength and endurance. After a short break, guards return for a second workout, then begin their shift patrolling the beach, enforcing safety rules, and responding to medical or rescue calls as needed.
Much of what they practice for competition has direct applications in real-world rescues. “Our athletes need to be well-rounded in running, swimming, and paddling,” she said. “Quite a few of our events are directly related to real lifeguard rescues. There are three techniques seen in competition: paddle rescue, rescue tube rescue, and landline rescue. We alternate between each event so everyone can have a chance to work on their specialty and do a conditioning workout directly related to that event.”
Despite their best efforts to educate and warn the public about beach hazards, one of the team’s greatest challenges remains communication. “We can do our very best advising the public about our no swim zone, rip current awareness, and the weather conditions, but unfortunately, we cannot control whether they choose to follow what we say,” Blanco said. “We can only continue to spread the word and hope people heed our warnings.”
During competition, what sets the Cameron County team apart isn’t just physical preparation—it’s emotional grit and collective support. “We keep each other motivated throughout the competition,” said Blanco. “Whether someone is first or last, we’re always cheering each other on till the very end. We all understand how taxing some of these events can be, especially as the day goes on, so a few words of encouragement go a long way.”
While they’re proud of what they’ve accomplished so far, the team is not settling for second place. “We’re grateful for second place, but we know we have what it takes to be even better.”
With eyes on the horizon and momentum on their side, the team is ready to make waves—this time, on a national level.
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