Lifeguard, 82, Sets Impressive Guinness World Record After More Than 60 Years Lifeguarding

A New Jersey man is making a splash as his decades-long love for lifeguarding has earned him a spot in the record books. 

Monmouth County resident Edward Kiziukiewicz, an 82-year-old lifeguard at Bay Head Beach in Bay Head, recently secured the world record for the oldest open water lifeguard, according to Guinness World Records (GWR).

Born in November 1942, Kiziukiewicz began his open water lifeguarding career 63 years ago in 1962 with stints at numerous beaches, per GWR.

Local news outlet NJ.com reported that the lifeguard has taken on a mentorship role at Bay Head Beach over the years, in addition to his lifeguarding duties, with two newer lifeguards joining him on every shift. 

He also told the outlet what advice he gives to the younger lifeguards.

“I, over the years, have learned that the more proactive you are, the better off you are,” Kiziukiewicz told NJ.com.

“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,” he added.

Kiziukiewicz is also a member of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), where GWR noted he is a certification officer and judge.

In an Instagram post celebrating the world record, USLA shared photos of Kiziukiewicz from various stages during his six-decade career.

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“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,” USLA wrote in the post’s caption. “2025 marks Ed’s 63rd year as an active open water lifeguard, and 65th year as a lifeguard.”