From the first gun, any spectator on the beach in Atlantic City could see this was going to be an intense night.

Throughout the summer, New Jersey’s beaches play host to dozens of lifeguard competitions. There are regional events like the Ship Bottom Invitational, rowing races, women-only competition, mile-long swims, and the ever-important two-day LBI “Islands” tournament. But none was quite like the first Red Bull Surf and Rescue event in 2015.