Being a lifeguard is a rewarding and challenging job that teaches decision making, leadership, and public service skills that can last a lifetime.
What’s Required to Become a Lifeguard for Suffolk County Parks?
Suffolk County Parks starts recruiting for ocean and stillwater lifeguards in January each year and hires for three of its beaches each summer: Smith Point, Cupsogue and Meschutt.
To qualify to be a lifeguard you must:
- Attend a minimum of four (4) training sessions which are typically held in March-May each year.
- Be at least 15 years of age as of March 1 of that year.
- Be prepared to run 3 miles, swim 2x50yrds and 2x300yrds for time.
24-hour qualification course sessions take place on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Suffolk County Community College Riverhead Campus Pool.
What is the Difference Between Being a Lifeguard at an Ocean Beach or Stillwater Beach?
Meschutt is a stillwater beach located on the Great Peconic Bay. This beach has a sandy shore, and the water is calm. This location requires lifeguards to be at least 15 years of age and qualify through the 24-hour training course.
Smith Point and Cupsogue are the two ocean beaches. Both locations are located on the Atlantic Ocean and offer sandy shores and waves. These locations require lifeguards to be at least 16 years of age and have an additional 12-hour training course that expands on the skills developed in the 24-hour Qualification Course.
Interested in Learning More About the Qualifications?
Join our email list to be notified about the information session dates and 24-hour qualification course start dates.
Joseph W. Dooley Long Island Ocean lifeguard championship at Smith Point
Each year on the last Monday of July, Smith Point County Beach hosts a lifeguard championship tournament where local lifeguard teams come and compete in a series of land and water skills to see which squad will take home the top spot.
The 8 events include:
- Long-Distance Swim
- 2K Run
- Double Yoke (Three guard rescue)
- Rescue Board Relay
- Land Line Relay
- 4x100 Soft Sand Relay
- Run-Swim-Run Relay
- Beach Flags
Junior Lifeguard Program
The Suffolk County Parks lifeguards offer a Junior Lifeguard Program each summer. This is a fun opportunity for children aged 6-15 to learn from professional lifeguards. This skills-based program helps to introduce and expand knowledge of the ocean and the coastal environment to our younger swimmers.
Typically, this free 90-minute program takes place on Saturday mornings from mid-July through August. Watch our event calendar and social media pages for dates and details.
Additional information about our 9-time national champion Smith Point Lifeguards: http://smithpointlifeguards.org/