Glen Cove beaches unstaffed due to lifeguard shortage

Glen Cove has a shortage of lifeguards, and until the city finds more, the two city beaches will be unstaffed at times.

Darcy Belyea, parks and recreation director, urged beachgoers to “swim with care. Stay shallow. And parents should watch children even playing at the shoreline.”

Morgan Memorial Park Beach and Pryibil Beach are officially closed to bathing and swimming when there are no lifeguards, but some people go in the water anyway, Belyea said.

On some days, one of the beaches will have lifeguards and the other will not, she said. On other days, neither beach will have lifeguards.

The city aims to have 22 full-time and part-time lifeguards. So far, there are only 12, she said.
Belyea attributed the shortage largely to the training required to be a lifeguard. “I just think there are other job opportunities for young people that require less training,” she said. 

The American Red Cross lifeguard training course, which costs hundreds of dollars, is one of the requirements to be a lifeguard in Glen Cove. Applicants, who must be at least 16 years old, also must pass Nassau County certification tests and a background check. 

The city is still accepting applications for the lifeguard positions, which pay $10 to $14 an hour, depending on experience. There are full-time and part-time positions available, and work schedules are flexible, Belyea said.

The city will reimburse Glen Cove residents for the cost of the Red Cross course if the course was taken in 2017 and the applicant receives Nassau County Grade II certification, Belyea said.

Anyone interested in a lifeguard position should call the parks and recreation department at 516-676-3766.

Beaches are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends only through June 25. Starting June 26 and through Labor Day, beaches will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Free beach permits for city residents with proof of residency are available at City Hall and at the beach gates. Locust Valley residents can use Morgan Beach and pick up passes at the park gate.