On the sun-drenched sands of Bay Head Beach in New Jersey, a remarkable figure keeps a watchful eye on the waves, whistle at the ready. Edward Kiziukiewicz, at the age of 82, has just secured his place in the Guinness World Records as the oldest open water lifeguard—a title that not only celebrates his longevity but also honors a life devoted to safety, mentorship, and the spirit of community.
Born in November 1942, Kiziukiewicz’s journey as a lifeguard began when he was just 18 years old. According to Guinness World Records, he landed his first job as a pool lifeguard at Olympic Pool in Irvington, New Jersey, in 1960. But his heart was always with the ocean, and by 1962, he had moved on to open water lifeguarding—a calling that would define the next 63 years of his life. As of 2025, he has served as an active open water lifeguard for an astonishing 63 years, and a lifeguard for 65 years in total.
Now approaching his 83rd birthday, Kiziukiewicz continues to patrol the beaches of Bay Head, a familiar sight to locals and visitors alike. As reported by CBS Philadelphia and NJ.com, his decades-long dedication to the craft has made him something of a legend among the lifeguarding community. But it’s not just his endurance that sets him apart—it’s his role as a mentor, a teacher, and a source of wisdom for the next generation of lifeguards.
Every shift, Kiziukiewicz is joined by two newer lifeguards, eager to soak up his experience and philosophy. He’s quick to share the lessons he’s learned over the years, emphasizing the value of vigilance and prevention. “I, over the years, have learned that the more proactive you are, the better off you are,” he 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.”
It’s advice born not just from theory, but from decades of real-world practice. For Kiziukiewicz, the job is about far more than just responding to emergencies—it’s about foresight, anticipation, and the subtle art of keeping danger at bay before it even arises. His approach has shaped the culture at Bay Head Beach, where his presence is both reassuring and inspiring.
Recognition from Guinness World Records has brought Kiziukiewicz’s story into the national spotlight, but those who know him best say the honor is long overdue. The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA), for which he serves as a certification officer and judge, recently celebrated his achievement with a heartfelt Instagram post. The post featured photos of Kiziukiewicz through the years—smiling in the sun, standing tall with his rescue buoy, and training the lifeguards who will one day follow in his footsteps.
“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,” the USLA wrote. “2025 marks Ed’s 63rd year as an active open water lifeguard, and 65th year as a lifeguard.” The post, filled with admiration and nostalgia, captured the essence of a man whose work has spanned generations and whose impact has rippled far beyond the shoreline.
But what drives someone to keep returning to the lifeguard stand, year after year, long after most would have retired? For Kiziukiewicz, it’s a combination of passion, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility. According to People, he’s never lost sight of the joy and challenge that first drew him to the water. Even now, as he approaches his 83rd birthday, he feels a sense of duty—to his community, to his fellow lifeguards, and to the countless beachgoers who rely on his watchful eye.
“I keep trying to emphasize to the kids that sit with me that a dry lifeguard is a good lifeguard,” he told NJ.com, repeating a mantra that has become his trademark. It’s a simple idea, but one that encapsulates the wisdom of a lifetime: the best lifeguard is the one who prevents trouble before it starts, who reads the currents and the crowds, and who never lets their guard down.
Kiziukiewicz’s influence extends far beyond the sands of Bay Head. As a certification officer and judge for the USLA, he helps set the standards for lifeguarding across the country, ensuring that every lifeguard—young or old—meets the highest levels of skill and professionalism. His experience, stretching back to the early 1960s, gives him a unique perspective on how the field has evolved, from the equipment and training to the attitudes and expectations of those who take on the mantle of lifeguard.
Yet, for all the changes he’s witnessed, some things remain constant. The ocean, with its unpredictable tides and shifting sands, still demands respect. The sense of camaraderie among lifeguards—the shared stories, the teamwork, the quiet moments before the crowds arrive—remains as strong as ever. And for Kiziukiewicz, the thrill of a job well done, of a day spent in service to others, is as fresh now as it was when he first donned his whistle more than six decades ago.
As the summer of 2025 draws to a close, Kiziukiewicz shows no signs of slowing down. He still arrives early for his shifts, still scans the horizon for signs of trouble, and still takes time to mentor the lifeguards who join him on the stand. His record-breaking achievement is a testament not only to his physical endurance but to a lifetime of dedication, resilience, and quiet heroism.
For the beachgoers of Bay Head and the broader lifeguarding community, Edward Kiziukiewicz is more than just a world record holder—he’s a living reminder of what it means to serve, to protect, and to lead by example. As he sits beneath his umbrella, eyes fixed on the waves, one can’t help but wonder: how many lives has he touched, how many dangers averted, all because he chose to return, year after year, to the water’s edge?
In a world where records are often broken by the young and the restless, Kiziukiewicz’s story stands out as proof that age is no barrier to passion, commitment, or making a difference. And as long as there are beaches to watch and lives to safeguard, it seems certain that he’ll be there—whistle in hand, ready for whatever the tide may bring.
