The tables turned on Clearwater Beach as tourists and beach goers watched lifeguards jump in the water.
It was all part of a competition called The James "Mac" McCarthy Memorial Lifesaving Championships.
More than 200 lifeguards from as far away as Puerto Rico competed in the water. The time trials ranged from swimming to paddle boarding to boat racing.
"People don’t realize the difference between swimming and getting out there in the surf and actually swimming. It’s a whole different ballgame using the rescue boards and some of the different crafts we have," said local lifeguard Thomas O'Connor.
Lifeguards said the competition was all about fun, but they were serious about the bragging rights, too.
Plenty of spectators enjoyed the action, including Jenny Taylor who decided to take her family out to watch.
"I think it's amazing they finally get a little bit of accolade and see other people who put their lives on the line too," she said.
Paul Guest, a tourist from England, watched from a nearby restaurant.
"I'd love to be out there myself, but I'm not fit enough!"
Few people are, but then again few people are willing to risk their lives to keep others safe.
The winners of the challenge will get to compete in a national competition.