Westchester County Parks to Offer 2025 Lifeguard Certification Scholarships

Ten local students will be awarded with funding to take Lifeguard Certification courses

Westchester County Parks, in partnership with the Westchester Parks Foundation, is offering scholarships to 10 local students who want to work as a Westchester County Parks Lifeguard this summer. The funding will cover their costs to take the required Lifeguard Certification courses. 

To be considered for the scholarship, students age 15 and older are encouraged to submit an essay of at least 250 words that explains why they want to become a Westchester County Parks Lifeguard and how they would benefit from the experience. Email submissions to: PRC-Aquatics@westchestercountyny.gov. The deadline is Friday, April 4 at 5 p.m. Those awarded will be notified via email by Friday, April 11.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “The lifeguards at our pools and beaches are taught innumerable and valuable skills that will behoove them for the rest of their lives. They also learn how to be strong leaders and handle significant responsibilities. Every young adult in Westchester deserves that opportunity.”

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “Our lifeguards are the mainstays for safe summer fun at our pools and beaches. We are delighted to help 10 youngsters join the team.”

Executive Director of Westchester Parks Foundation Joe Stout said, “Westchester Parks Foundation believes that parks are for everyone, and we support this County-wide initiative to ensure that our pools and beaches are staffed with well-trained lifeguards, and that students have access to learn these skills.”

Those awarded with the scholarship will be expected to work at any of the following facilities:

  • Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson
  • Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle
  • Playland Beach and Pool in Rye
  • Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains
  • Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers
  • Tibbetts Brook Pool in Yonkers
  • Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon