The United Way of Cape May County has turned the world's most popular bath toy into a competitive sport. More than 12,000 numbered ducks will be released at Morey's water park during Sunday's annual Rubber Ducky Regatta. It's a big deal, people—for 30 minutes, folks in swim trunks and bikini tops watch with baited breath to see if their duck will be the first to cross the finish line. Ducks cost only $5, and proud owners could win one of more than 200 prizes, including gift certificates to local businesses. These aren't your average dollar store ducks either—each is unique, with a different theme or costume, and doubles as a souvenir.

Organizer Suzanne Nardi, aka "Duck Lady," took the race idea from a United Way in West Virginia. US Air flew the original 10,000 ducks to Jersey to help jumpstart the regatta and—voila—a tradition was born.

Nardi says she was looking for a fundraising idea to incorporate the summer tourist market. Last year, the regatta raised more than $50,000.