Lake Mohawk hosts lifeguard competition

SPARTA — The 2015 Sussex County Lifeguard Competition was held at Lake Mohawk Country Club’s Beach 1 on Monday, Aug. 17, with more than 40 lifeguards from six teams competiting.

The competition began right after the National Anthem with the 500-yard open water swim for male and female lifeguards. Chris Rudell and Jarod Schwesinger from Lake Mohawk Pool took first and third respectively with Walter Lehneis from Lake Mohawk Country Club coming in second out of a field of nine swimmers.

In the female division, Liz Smith and Emily Tighe, also from Lake Mohawk Pool took first and third out of nine female swimmers. KellyAnne Gangaware from White Meadows came in second. Chris Rudel and Liz Smith repeated their first places from last year.

Lake Mohawk CC Team of Chad DiBlasio, Ryan Balemian, Jack Donahue and Liz Zanetakos took first place in the Rescue Tube Relay. Lake Mohawk Pool took second, and Newton Pool came in third. Chad, Jack and Liz then teamed up with Mark Donahue and took first in the Paddleboard Relay. The Mohawk Pool took second here again, followed by Paulinskill Lake.

The Lake Mohawk Pool came back strong in the Run/Swim/Run/Swim Relay and took first place. White Meadow Lake took second with Newton Pool in third.

In the Backboard Event, White Meadow Lake edged out Lake Mohawk CC for first and third place went to Lake Mohawk Pool.

Each competitor placing in the top three were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals. All competitors received T-shirts and were treated to a barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, cake, watermelon and snacks.

The overall Team Trophy went to Lake Mohawk Pool this year as the new 2015 Champions.