named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Junior Lifeguard Program
Founded in 1998, this program trains youth in water safety and lifeguarding skills, serving as a pipeline for future Jones Beach Lifeguards, with 30–40% of new recruits coming from this program.
Lifeguard Drone Team
First-of-its-kind drone program in New York State, created by Cary Epstein, to support surveillance, rapid detection, and emergency response on beaches.
Lifeguard Training Academy
40-hour training program led by Cary Epstein that prepares new lifeguard recruits in ocean safety, leadership, and teamwork.
Rescue Watercraft Program
Modern ocean rescue initiative using powered watercraft, standardized through SOPs developed by Cary Epstein to enhance response capabilities across Long Island beaches.
Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Alliance
Collaborative initiative supported by JBLA to reduce drowning incidents through education, outreach, and shared expertise in water safety.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Competitive and Learn-to-Swim Programs 2 activities
- Operates the Jones Beach Junior Lifeguard ProgramRuns a training program for aspiring lifeguards that prepares youth for oceanfront lifeguarding, feeds recruits into the main lifeguard force, and is led by certified instructors with structured curriculum and year-round engagement opportunities.
- Promotes water safety and drowning prevention educationConducts community initiatives to promote swim safety, drowning prevention, and responsible water recreation across Long Island, including public awareness campaigns and encouraging CPR and first aid certification among community members.
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Environmental Policy Advocacy & Litigation 1 activity
- Advocates for lifeguard resources and state park supportEngages in advocacy to secure funding and resources for Jones Beach Lifeguards and Long Island State Parks, including lobbying for recruitment and training support, non-smoking legislation, open space protection, and serving on the Long Island State Parks Commission.
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Regional EMS Coordination and Quality Improvement 1 activity
- Develops and leads innovative ocean rescue programsCreated New York State’s first Lifeguard Drone Team and the Rescue Watercraft Program, and helped establish the Jones Beach Rescue Watercraft Team, advancing modern ocean rescue operations and emergency response capabilities.
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Community Safety Patrols & Security Support 1 activity
- Provides lifeguard services at Long Island State Park beachesSupports a community of over 500 lifeguards who protect beaches across the Long Island region, including Jones Beach, Sunken Meadow, and Robert Moses State Parks, providing free lifeguarding services to ensure public safety at shores and pools.
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Recognition and Awards Programs 1 activity
- Recognizes lifeguard service and fosters community camaraderieHosts an annual awards ceremony and other year-round events to recognize outstanding service, honor legacies (including the Captain William F. Burke Jr. Monument), and strengthen bonds among active and alumni lifeguards.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Advances lifeguard training and operational standardsDevelops and implements specialized training programs and Standard Operating Procedures for oceanfront lifeguarding, including the 40-hour Lifeguard Training Academy, transition training from still-water to ocean environments, and protocols for Rescue Watercraft, drones, and emergency response vehicles.
- Supports lifeguard professional development and wellnessCo-founded the Jones Beach Lifeguard Association to promote professional growth, community outreach, and wellness for New York State lifeguards, fostering leadership and long-term commitment to the profession.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$775
Contributions & grants——
Program service revenue$775100%
Investment income——
Other revenue—
expenses
Total expenses$1K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$0
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$-601
1 years on record · 2025–2025
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- City of Long Beach Fire Department Partner — Volunteers with the Rescue Company and Water Rescue Team.
- Epi+Center Rescue Partner — Founder of organization providing water safety services and aquatic consulting.
- Jones Beach Government — Primary operational location and historical base for lifeguard activities.
- Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps Partner — Supports the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps as its nonprofit arm.
- Long Island Community Fund Partner — Collaborated with the Jones Beach Lifeguard Association to support scholarship distribution for lifeguards.
- Long Island State Park beaches Government — Association supports lifeguards serving at Long Island’s State Park beaches.
- Long Island State Parks Commission Government — Paul Tonna was appointed as a trustee in 1998, advocating for financial support for Long Island State Parks & Recreation.
- Long Island University Partner — Collaborates through educator preparation programs and outreach initiatives connecting higher education with K–12 schools.
- Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Alliance Partner — Collaborates with the Jones Beach Lifeguard Association to advance drowning prevention efforts.
- Swim Across America Partner — Serves as National Safety Director, overseeing open-water swim events nationwide.
- United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Government — Geoff Cassell is a proud member of the USLA, indicating organizational affiliation and alignment with national lifesaving standards.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Engaged Water Safety Educationmethodology: community-engaged_safety_educationBy uniting active and alumni lifeguards to lead public education and outreach, the organization strengthens water safety awareness and community resilience, because trusted community members are more effective messengers in promoting preparedness, situational awareness, and responsible behavior around water.
- Inter-Generational Organizational Continuitymethodology: inter_generational_continuityBy fostering lifelong service and multi-generational participation in lifeguarding, the organization sustains its culture and operational strength, because deep personal relationships and family engagement create enduring commitment and collective identity that reinforce recruitment, training, and community integration.
- Professional Lifeguarding Standards and Operational Leadershipmethodology: lifeguard_professionalism_and_trainingBy maintaining high standards in training, professionalism, and standardized operations, the organization prevents drowning and improves emergency response, because structured, expert-led programs ensure readiness, accountability, and effective use of equipment and personnel in aquatic safety.