Beach Hosts Firefighters and Open Water Swimmers Contests
Competitions on the beach
This weekend, Pensacola Beach will be buzzing with excitement as swimmers and firefighters from across the country gather to compete in two premier events on the island.
The storied Pensacola Beach Firefighters Challenge, a competition showcasing brute strength, determination, finesse, and endurance, returns to Casino Beach for its 10th annual event. Hosted by Pensacola Sports in partnership with Escambia County Fire Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department, the challenge draws both local heroes and elite firefighters nationwide.
Participants will test their skills on a demanding five-station course set in the sand. Competitors will go head-to-head in events including forced entry, charged hose pull, Kaiser sled, dummy drag, and hose hoist. There will be team and individual competition.
The Kid’s challenge will take place on the same course as the firefighters and simulate the same obstacles — in kid form. Kids must be 5 – 12 years old to participate. Register online, or register on event day in person however Space is limited. This competition is for the best time going through the obstacles. Age group winners will run three deep, (1st, 2nd & 3rd will be awarded). Boys and girls are welcome!
Firefighters Challenge Schedule – Casino Beach
Friday, April 10, 2026
5 pm – 7:30 pm - Team Check In
7:00 pm - Team Seeding Round competition under the lights
Saturday, April 11, 2026
6:30 a.m. – area opens for teams to set up tents
7:00 – 7:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Individual Competition
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Break
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Kids Challenge
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Team Competition
5:30 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
5:30 p.m. – Post Event Social (Immediately after the awards ceremony)
Spectator admission is free. Event details are available at:https://www.pensacolasports.org/penbeachfirefighters/
Pensacola Sports will also host the 2026 DeLuna Open Water Swim this weekend. More than 100 swimmers are expected to take to the protected waters of the Santa Rosa Sound, competing in 0.6-, 1.2-, or 2.4-mile races. The event is part of the Speedo SALT Series, hosted by Salty Sports Society.
DeLuna Open Water Swim Schedule
Start/Finish: Flounder’s Chowder House, Pensacola Beach (Santa Rosa Sound)
Saturday, April 11, 2026
7:00 am – Water opens for warm-up Open Water Swim
8:00 am – 2.4 Mile Swim Begins
8:10 am – 1.2 Mile Swim Begins
8:20 am – .6 Mile Swim Begins
10:30 am – Awards Ceremony at Start Line
Spectator admission is free. Event details are available at:https://www.pensacolasports.org/delunasswim/