Should You Lifeguard for a Summer or for 64 Years?
Thousands of swimmers come to the pool each summer for some fun in the sun and lifeguards are an important part of what makes that possible.
And that’s why most lifeguards value the experience they gain during their time on the chair.
Now, imagine having that experience for 64 summers straight… It may seem hard to believe but a Long Island resident named Reggie Jones did just that.
The Seven Decade Lifeguard
Reggie served in the Navy during WWII and started his first lifeguard position in 1944.
He started his lifeguarding career at Jones Beach but also worked at several other state beaches across Long Island over the years.
Now, as you know, lifeguards have to maintain their certifications over time. This includes skills and knowledge exams but also physical tests to ensure that lifeguards are prepared to perform during a water emergency.
That’s what makes Reggie’s career so remarkable. In 2008, his final year as a lifeguard, Reggie once again passed the challenging beach physical test, which is detailed below.
(According to the Long Island Region Qualifying Procedure - Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps)
100 yard timed swim - Suffolk County Community College
Applicant must finish the swim in 75 seconds or less to continue.
50 yard Cross Chest Carry - Suffolk County Community College
Applicant carries manikin in cross-chest position in 55 seconds or less to continue.
¾ mile (1,320 yards) Timed Endurance Run - Suffolk Community College
Applicant must complete the ¾ mile (1,320 yards) run in six minutes or less to continue. (Sneakers recommended)
Timed Ocean Swim – Jones Beach West Bathhouse Ocean Front
Applicant must complete the approximately 350-400 yard swim on prescribed open water, run-swim-run course to continue. Stopping will result in disqualification.
It was only in that following year, 2009, that Reggie failed to pass one of the requirements, falling just 2 seconds short of the allowable time. This pushed him into retirement.
While 64 years on the beach post would be impressive enough, he also taught high school social studies and coached high school wrestling for more than 30 years.
As an experienced lifeguard, he served as a mentor to many other new lifeguards over the years, showing them how to spot rescues and also opened their minds to his love for the beach and the water.
Reggie passed away on January 30, 2021 at the age of 93. He was survived by his three children, two grandchildren, and one incredible legacy as a man of many talents, but certainly one of the most well-known lifeguards there have ever been.
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