The insider scoop on locals' favorite Shore spots and events

» READ MORE: Lifeguard races

Act like a local — take a shoulder cooler packed with beer or your vodka drink in a water bottle — and cheer as the lifeguards show off their prowess, swimming and rowing in competitions throughout the summer. It all culminates in the South Jersey Championships, to be held this year on Aug. 11 in Longport because Longport won last year's event, which was held in Avalon because Avalon won the year before. Don't expect to know exactly what's going on or even who won. But it's beautiful to see the Van Duyne surf boats from towns up and down the Shore lined up on the beach. And it's a party, with some close finishes (follow the crowd flow). Dates for all the summerlong preliminary events are here. And you can get into the act yourself Aug. 12 at the Pick Your Poison Five-Miler on the bay, sponsored by the Long Beach Township Beach Patrol. Red Bull also has gotten involved, sponsoring a surf and rescue championship featuring 50 beach patrol teams on July 18 at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Atlantic City's Lifeguard Classic, is Friday (July 21) at 6:30 p.m., Albany Avenue beach.

Want more of the Shore? Pick up a copy of our 2017 Shore Guide, packed with the sights, sounds, and tastes of summer.