Approximately 1,200 lifeguards on the state payroll—including nearly 500 who protect beachgoers along Long Island’s shores—voted in February to join NYSUT and, in doing so, are getting UUP’s expertise at the bargaining table.

The New York State Lifeguard Corps., which represents lifeguards who protect pools, lakes and beaches from Lake Erie to Montauk, affiliated with NYSUT and AFT after a six-year battle over better pay, improved training and safety equipment, and a voice in their working conditions.

“We are pleased to be able to represent our union sisters and brothers at the bargaining table,” said UUP President Phillip Smith. “They deserve what all working people deserve—fair pay, good working conditions and the right to sit down with management to discuss their concerns.”

Tom Donovan, president of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps and acting leader of the new statewide lifeguards union, said, “After so many years, I’m thrilled to have a union that will work to improve conditions for all lifeguards across the state.”

“We’re not looking at this as union versus management,” added Bruce Meirowitz, a lifeguard for more than 40 years and vice president of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps.

“We want to create an atmosphere where it’s the union and the state Parks and Recreation Department working together as real partners to improve safety for the public. After some dark times, we are enjoying a renaissance in our relationship with the Parks Department and we hope this era of communications and collaboration will continue.”

The state’s lifeguards previously had a long affiliation with the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA). In September 2003, however, lifeguards—led by the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps representing 500 guards on Long Island—petitioned the state Public Employment Relations Board for “fragmentation” of all lifeguard job titles from the Security Services Unit of NYSCOPA, saying they wanted stronger, more direct representation.