WHITE PLAINS, NY (March 12, 2025) — Westchester County Parks, in collaboration with the Westchester Parks Foundation, announced a scholarship program Tuesday that will provide 10 local students with funding to complete required Lifeguard Certification courses for the 2025 summer season.
The initiative aims to support students aged 15 and older who are interested in serving as lifeguards at Westchester County’s pools and beaches. The scholarships will cover the full cost of the certification courses, paving the way for recipients to join the county’s lifeguard team.
To apply, students must submit a 250-word essay explaining their motivation to become a Westchester County Parks lifeguard and how the experience would benefit them. Applications should be emailed to PRC-Aquatics@westchestercountyny.gov by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 4. Winners will be notified by email on Friday, April 11.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins praised the program, saying, “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.”
Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor emphasized the critical role lifeguards play, noting, “Our lifeguards are the mainstays for safe summer fun at our pools and beaches. We are delighted to help 10 youngsters join the team.”
Joe Stout, executive director of the Westchester Parks Foundation, added, “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.”
Scholarship recipients will be required to work at one of the county’s facilities, including 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, or Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon.
