Lifeguard Taplin Relay (Preview)

City of San Clemente 2010 Taplin Relay Team

The 2011 Lifeguard Taplin Relay is coming up on Saturday July 30, at the Hermosa Beach Pier. The event begins at 7 p.m. with a U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter and Los Angeles County Lifeguard Demo and lifeguard competitions followed by the Judge Taplin Three-mile Lifeguard Medley Relay.

Last summer the City of San Clemente team raced in the Taplin relay for the first time in years. Although we didn't finish first, we finished with pride. Excited with out first completed Taplin under our belt, we are now ready to come back strong and give the other teams a run for their money.  This isn't our first rodeo anymore.

The Lifeguard Taplin relay is the most prestigious lifeguard event in Southern California. Named after Judge Irving Taplin, a former Municipal Court Judge in L.A. County, the Taplin relay was started in 1936. It has run every year since with the exception of 1942 to 1945 when the race was suspended due to World War II.

Judge Irving Taplin
Medley Relay Throphy Bell

Competing for a chance at taking home the Taplin Bell, teams from around the world show up in numbers with team caps, paddle boards, and dory boats. The bell is past down from year-to-year to the winners of the race. Each team is made of 16 ocean lifeguards; four swimmers, four paddlers, and four 2-man dory teams in an effort to have the best over all time. All 16 names of the winning team are engraved onto the bell to remind everyone of their win.

Come to the Hermosa Beach Pier at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 to watch the most competitive race in Southern California, and see who will be taking home the bell. Make sure to come early, the stadium seating fills up fast.


Untitled from MatuliSurfboards on Vimeo.