ARDSLEY, NY (March 17, 2026) — Westchester County Parks, in partnership with the Westchester Parks Foundation, will provide scholarships to 10 local students to cover the cost of Lifeguard Certification courses required to become a Westchester County Parks lifeguard.
Students age 15 and older are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit an essay of at least 250 words explaining why they want to become a Westchester County Parks lifeguard and how they would benefit from the experience.
Essays must be emailed to PRC-Aquatics@westchestercountyny.gov. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 20 at 5 p.m. Students selected for the scholarships will be notified via email by Friday, March 27.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Becoming a lifeguard takes courage and strength and is a great stepping stone to entering the workforce. Through training and ultimately serving as a lifeguard, individuals learn valuable life-saving skills while building confidence, responsibility and leadership. It is imperative that there are no barriers to this process so that every young person who is interested has a fair opportunity to gain these skills and serve their community.”
Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “Lifeguards are the backbone of summers in Westchester County. They play a critical role in keeping our pools and beaches safe while creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors. We are grateful to the Westchester Parks Foundation for partnering with us to help bring this opportunity to more young people.”
Joe Stout, executive director of the Westchester Parks Foundation, said: “Westchester Parks Foundation supports this County-wide initiative to ensure that our pools and beaches are staffed with well-trained lifeguards, and that students from all walks of life have opportunities to learn these skills.”
Students who receive the scholarships will be expected to work at one of several Westchester County Parks 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; and Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.