Edward Kiziukiewicz, New Jersey's oldest lifeguard, was awarded a Guinness World Record at 82: 'The more proactive you are, the better off you'll be.'

Edward Kiziukiewicz, 82, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest open water lifeguard.

The tribute comes after a 63-year uninterrupted career in water rescue work, currently carried out on the beaches of Bay Head, New Jersey.

Kiziukiewicz began his career in 1960, working at an Olympic-sized swimming pool in Irvington.

Two years later, at 20, he began his work in open waters. Since then, he has served on various beaches across the state, remaining active to this day.

Although he acknowledges that age has limited his physical abilities compared to previous years, Kiziukiewicz has taken on a formative role.

Currently, in addition to patrolling the beaches, he trains young people interested in becoming lifeguards, emphasizing the importance of prevention and constant vigilance.

The Guinness World Record was awarded in recognition of his age and years of service, officially making him the longest-serving open water lifeguard.

Despite his 82 years of age, Kiziukiewicz remains physically fit for his work and is an active member of the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA).

“Over the years, I've learned that the more proactive you are, the better off you'll be. I keep trying to impress upon the kids that a dry life jacket is a good life jacket,” he told NJ.com.

He added: "In other words, you see what's happening in front of you and you try to keep people out of trouble."

His career also includes serving as a national certification officer and participating as a member of the USLA National Lifeguard Championship corps.

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from El Comercio (GDA), and reviewed by the journalist and an editor.