Some heroes never hang up their whistles.
At 82 years old, Monmouth County resident Edward Kiziukiewicz just secured the Guinness World Record for the oldest open water lifeguard, and he’s still keeping watch at Bay Head Beach in New Jersey.
Born in November 1942, Kiziukiewicz has been lifeguarding since 1962, with stints at numerous beaches over the decades. That’s 63 years on the job, and counting. But for him, it’s not just about rescuing swimmers. It’s also about teaching the next generation.
“I, over the years, have learned that the more proactive you are, the better off you are,” he told NJ.com.
Two newer lifeguards join him on every shift, where Kiziukiewicz has taken on a mentorship role. And his advice couldn’t be more simple, or wise: “I keep trying to emphasize to the kids that sit with me that a dry lifeguard is a good lifeguard. In other words, you see what is happening in front of you and you try to keep people from getting into trouble.”
His dedication goes far beyond the shoreline. Kiziukiewicz is also a member of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), serving as a certification officer and judge. In fact, the USLA marked his milestone with an Instagram tribute, showing photos from throughout his six-decade career.
“Ed began his lifeguarding career in 1960 as a pool lifeguard at Olympic Pool in Irvington, New Jersey, before beginning open water lifeguarding in 1962,” the post read. “2025 marks Ed’s 63rd year as an active open water lifeguard, and 65th year as a lifeguard.”
From teaching safety to keeping watch on the waves, Edward Kiziukiewicz is proof that passion has no age limit, and that the lifeguard chair never really gets old.
- From Unwanted to Unstoppable: Chewy the Shih Tzu Finds His Forever Family in a Senior Living Center - September 18, 2025
- Teen Who Started Reading Program During Pandemic Still Brings Joy to Special Needs Kids Five Years Later - September 18, 2025
- Uber Ride Turns Into a Life-Changing Friendship That’s Still Going Strong Seven Years Later - September 18, 2025
