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STARR has once again been asked to provide marine command, marine safety and resources for the 2022 Southern Firecracker 70.3 Triathlon at Grenada Lake, Mississippi. We received high reviews and praise for our professionalism, courtesy, kindness, and skills by not only the host of the Southern Firecracker Triathlon - Rock Star All Access but also the many individual participants. 

The Southern Firecracker 70.3 Triathlon was held on June 18, 2022 at the beautiful Lake Grenada located in Grenada, Mississippi. STARR completed the task 100% without complaints. Racers, Sponsors, Spectators, and Race Officials alike said "thank you for providing a very safe course". This year was especially challenging as the water temperature prior to the swim was 87-degrees and then the relative temperature was 97-degrees with a heat index of nearly 110-degrees. The heat was brutal for anyone participating and those who supported the event. So, STARR would like to CONGRATULATE everyone who was involved in the event.

Although STARR provided the Water Management Team which worked diligently behind the scenes months and weeks prior to the race day, some made the 4-hour trip earlier than the rest of the team to ensure resources needed to set up the course were ready. STARR was on-site 18-hours prior to race time with a command center and communication post to help organize the various agencies associated with the race. Through the collective and collaborative efforts between STARR and the local public service agencies that included Grenada Fire Department, Grenada Police Department, Grenada County Sheriffs Office, Tie Plant Volunteer Fire Department, Sabougla Fire & Rescue, Roland Police Department, all the volunteer kayakers who made the safety of the triathlon swim possible.

Here are just a few pictures (only because it was hot and we were all busy)...

The Southern Firecracker 70.3 a USAT sanctioned Triathlon, located in Grenada, Mississippi consists of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. This course has been designed to highlight the natural characteristics found at Grenada Lake and the beautiful countryside surrounding it. Hosted by RSAA, Southern Technical Aquatic Resource and Rescue (STARR) has been an integrate part of the swim portion not only providing key water safety resources but, designing, implementing, and setting up the swim course, developing a water safety / rescue plan, instituted a Incident Command structure, and organizing collaborative efforts with multiple agencies to provide a safe swim environment. STARR Executive Staff worked with local kayak organizations, life guards, and other public safety agencies developed and implemented an inter-operational plan that worked effortlessly.

STARR, through these collective but collaborative efforts with local public service agencies, instituted a highly safe and competitive swim course for hundreds of swimmers. In addition, working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, STARR ensured the safety of all swimmers using kayaks, paddle boards, lifeguards, rescue jet skis with rescue boards, rescue boats, certified rescue swimmers, certified rescue boat operators, certified rescue divers, in conjunction with Grenada Police, Grenada Fire Department, Sheriff, and other volunteer fire departments . STARR’s experienced and qualified Incident Management Team created a flawless interoperability work force.

Below are just a few pictures from the 1st Annual Southern Firecracker 70.3...