So, lifeguard tournament fans thought the Island Tournament set for Aug. 4-5 would be the culminating event of the summer. Nope. The Ship Bottom Beach Patrol delivered a surprise announcement last week.

“Ship Bottom Beach Patrol is excited to host our first-ever women’s tournament, the Mermaid Classic,” announced veteran guard and one of the best female competitors on the Island, Tracey Hemmerle. “Please help us spread the word.