Destin Beach Safety lifeguards helped the Emerald Coast Lifeguard Association deliver one of its strongest performances at the 2026 United States Lifesaving Association National Championships.
Emerald Coast Places Fifth Overall
The Emerald Coast Lifeguard Association (ECLA) finished fifth overall in the A Division at the USLA Nationals Surf Lifesaving Championships, held in Fort Lauderdale from Aug. 5–7.
The national event featured more than 1,200 lifeguards and junior lifeguards representing 25 chapters from California to Florida. ECLA competed with a 63-athlete team, including three lifeguards from Destin Beach Safety.
Destin Guards Earn Top Finishes
Beach Safety Lieutenant Maureen Abeita and Beach Safety Officer Makayla Ludwick led the Destin contingent with standout performances across multiple events.
Abeita earned first place in her age division in the Surf Race, Board Race, Ironwomen, and Run-Swim-Run. She also placed fifth in the Surf Ski Race and finished in the top 20 of several open events.
Ludwick scored 41.5 points for ECLA and finished second in the Open Rescue Race, fourth in the Open Board Rescue Race, and recorded additional top-15 finishes in several open competitions.
Teamwork Powers National Success
Beach Safety Officer John Becker also contributed to the team’s overall score in the Open Mixed Surfboat Race.
Abeita and Ludwick teamed up to finish fourth in the Open Taplin Relay and fifth in the Open Board Relay, adding valuable points to ECLA’s fifth-place finish.
Destin Beach Safety officials said the national championships showcase the high level of fitness, teamwork, and readiness required for professional lifeguards while strengthening connections across the lifesaving community.
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