Gwinnett lifeguards earn state honors

Gwinnett County lifeguards proved they were Georgia’s best at an annual lifeguarding competition, the county announced.

A team of “seasoned lifeguard veterans” competed in categories including first aid, CPR/AED and athletic skills at Lake Oconee on July 20. The Georgia Recreation and Park Association State Lifeguarding Competition attracts guards from all over the state to prove their life-saving chops each year.

The Gwinnett County team earned 38 points, the highest overall score. They took first place in the swim relay and critical incident events, second in capture the flag and rescue relay and third in triathlon and rescue board.

Lifeguards Jacon Finco, Holly Smith, Aiden Hall, Ali- yah Berry, Joel Nickerson, Cole Hembree and Aaron Murdock made up the Gwin- nett County team, and Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation employees Arthur Bedard and Christen Hardy coached the team.

“We are extremely proud of the lifeguard team and coaches for their victory at state,” said Christine Greenfield, aquatics coordinator for Gwinnett County, in a news release. “Our lifeguard team takes great pride in their training and skill execution and they were excited to use it in a competition setting.”

You can enjoy any of Gwin- nett County’s public pools now knowing you’re guarded by the best in the state.

CONTRIBUTED A team of Gwinnett County lifeguards won first place at the Georgia Recreation and Park Association State Lifeguarding Competition at Lake Oconee.