(PHOENIX) July 6, 2010- The best lifeguards in the state will face-off at the 30th Ultimate Lifeguard Challenge at Tempe Kiwanis Recreation Center on Sunday, July 18 from 6:15 – 10:00 p.m. The event promises to be a high energy skills test.

Male, female and co-ed teams will compete in five categories including a rescue tube relay, submerged object rescue and active victim rescue. Red Cross lifeguards use these methods to save lives at neighborhood pools and water parks across the state. “Red Cross lifeguards are trained to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and prevent drowning and injuries,” said Erin Kerger, Grand Canyon Chapter Aquatics Specialist.

152 people participated last year. This year’s goal is 200. Registration fee is reduced thanks to a sponsorship by the University of Phoenix. "University of Phoenix is committed to education and outreach within our local community,” said Nancy Hennigan, Director of Community Investment. “With the increasing heat, we know more people will be headed into the water and lifeguards play an important role in ensuring everyone stays safe. We are pleased to be a part of this event and to continue to support the efforts of the Red Cross.”

Other event supporters include Tempe Kiwanis Recreation Center, M & J Trophies, Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel, Sign-A-Rama, and Water Mill Express.

WHAT: Ultimate Lifeguard Challenge

WHEN: Sunday, July 18, 2010 5:00 p.m. – Registration 6:15 p.m. – Event Begins

WHERE: Tempe Kiwanis Recreation Center 6111 South All America Way Tempe, AZ 85283

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: www.arizonaredcross.org/lifeguard ###

About the University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of February 28, 2010, 458,600 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu

About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is where volunteers from across central, western and northern Arizona come together to help people in need every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 5.2 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the financial generosity of Arizona neighbors to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.arizonaredcross.org or call 1-800-842-7349. To give blood, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.