Long Island beaches are hoping to avoid a lifeguard shortage that has been an issue the last few summers.
The state parks lifeguard certification exam will be held at 7:30 a.m. on June 11 at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood and at Jones Beach. Qualified participants can sign up until June 9 on the state parks website.
State parks need about 500 lifeguards to maintain seven beaches and two pools across Long Island.
Officials hope lifeguards will be enticed to return after Gov. Hochul increased starting pay by 21% last year from about $18 to $22 per hour.
(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)