South Jersey lifeguard patrols will gather on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. on East Schellenger Avenue beach in Wildwood for the annual Dutch Hoffman Memorial Lifeguard Championships. Fifteen patrols from the region are slated to take part in the event, which features both beach rescue simulations and a series of skill contests.
The competition is designed to put the lifeguards’ training and quick‑response abilities on display while paying tribute to the late Dutch Hoffman, whose name the championship bears. Participants will be judged on their performance in simulated rescue scenarios, as well as on a range of traditional lifeguard challenges such as timed swims, obstacle courses, and first‑aid drills.
This year marks the 56th edition of the Dutch Hoffman Memorial Championships, a long‑standing tradition that draws lifeguard teams from across South Jersey and the surrounding region. The event serves as a benchmark for professional standards within the lifeguard community and provides an opportunity for patrols to benchmark their techniques against peers.
Organizers expect the evening to draw spectators from the local community, offering a chance for residents to observe the rigorous training that underpins beach safety. The competition also reinforces the collaborative spirit among the lifeguard patrols, fostering shared learning and camaraderie as each team demonstrates its expertise in a public setting.