“Our lifeguards are really the crown jewel of Long Beach,” said City Council President Brendan Finn at a news conference held at the Riverside Boulevard beach entrance — in front of Long Beach lifeguard headquarters. “We’re all thankful for the great job they do every day. Even when they’re off-duty and after hours. The people of Mount Sinai do the same thing. They’re here, night and day, for all of us.”

The lifeguard team consists of more than 150 paid service people including lifeguards, EMTs and officers. On June 30, Mount Sinai South Nassau continued with their eighth year of sponsorship by presenting the lifeguards with an annual donation of custom-designed T-shirts. The shirts are more than a token of appreciation — they’re a fundamental cover for the first responders who spend their days in the blazing sun.

“All these first responders are in the business of saving lives and keeping people safe and helping people,” Finn said. “It’s such a beautiful partnership and we’re grateful for all their service. I speak, not just for the council, but for everybody in Long Beach: Thank you very much for what you do.”

At the news conference, Mount Sinai South Nassau also announced a new health initiative for lifeguards. Dana Sanneman, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s vice president of public affairs, explained that the hospital has been working for nearly six months, in partnership with the Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation, to provide free EKG screenings to student athletes. Connor Kasin was a Massapequa High School student who died in 2024 from a sudden cardiac event. Sanneman said the program has screened 150 student athletes and will now be offered to lifeguards.

“Lifeguards working in the city of Long Beach, or anywhere on Long Island can come to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s community wellness center located right here on the boardwalk,” Sanneman said. “Every Monday, we’re offering no-cost EKG screenings to student athletes and lifeguards.”

Chief of Lifeguards Rich Borawski said he hopes the full team of lifeguards, from the 16-year-olds to the more veteran members, take advantage of the service.

“The EKG just takes a couple of minutes. It’s non-invasive,” said Dr. Dave Neubert, an EMS physician at Mount Sinai South Nassau. “It allows us to get a good picture of the heart. If we see anything on the EKG that appears abnormal, then we’re referring them for additional testing. This is truly important to save lives.”