Residents raced to the shores of Long Beach Sunday to take part in the 12th annual Lifeguard Memorial Swim.

The one-mile race is held in honor of deceased men and women who served on beach patrol.

Eric Juergens, of Wantagh, was the winner of the event this year.

He told News 12 that he enjoyed the rough conditions during the race.

"I like it when it's like that. It makes it a little more fun,” he said.