Deer Park High School juniors Ibrahim Oztimurlenk and Talon Silverstein and recent Class of 2026 graduate Kadyn Neale have passed the strenuous Jones Beach New York State Lifeguard Test, followed by five days of rigorous rookie training. Arguably one of the toughest and most competitive lifeguard qualification programs in the country, this accomplishment is a testament to their dedication, fitness and perseverance.

All three have accepted positions with the Long Island State Parks lifeguard corps at Jones Beach State Park. These Deer Park students and varsity swimmers will join the ranks of many Deer Park alumni and former swimmers who are currently watching over and protecting Long Island’s shores. The strong swimming foundation they developed through the Deer Park swim programs, as well as the middle school and high school Falcons swim teams, helped prepare them for this grueling and highly competitive challenge.

“Congratulations to these outstanding Deer Park students,” Deer Park swim coach Craig Mangio said. “New York State’s beaches are in good hands.”