Lifeguards Return to NYC Beaches Amid a National Shortage: A Hopeful but Fragile Start
1. Waves, Whistles, and Warnings: The Start of a New Season New York City's iconic public beaches opened for the summer season with a burst of energy and a touch of caution. Lifeguards — the first line of defense against ocean hazards — took their places early Saturday morning along 14 miles of shoreline, from Orchard Beach in the Bronx to Rockaway Beach in Queens. Though the sun was slow to rise and waters still carried the chill of spring, lifeguards wasted no time springing into action. At Coney Island, one team was already sprinting toward a rocky jetty to respond to a potential risk. This return to the stands represents more than just the start of another beach season; it’s part of a broader effort to address a troubling, yearslong shortage of lifeguards across the city and the nation. The situation, though still precarious, is showing early signs of improvement. 2. Shortage Lingers, but Numbers Are Trending Up As of Memorial Day weekend, New York City had 280 certified li...