Watch CBS News

Long Island Lifeguards Call For Pay Raise

WANTAGH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Lifeguards on Long Island are rallying for a raise.

Lifeguards gathered at Jones Beach on Tuesday looking for recognition in the form of a raise, which they haven't received in 10 years.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports

Podcast

"We're sending a message to Gov. Cuomo, he's the one, it's his negotiator who can settle this very easily," said Tom Donovan, president of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps and acting leader of the new statewide lifeguards union. "We make $15 an hour, we feel we should be at 20."

There are 1,000 lifeguards in New York state; 500 of them work on Long Island.

They rescued 3,600 people during the summer of 2011.

1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reports

Podcast

"We just deserve the recognition. We're good, loyal employees, here for decades," said Donovan, who has been a lifeguard for over 40 years. "We don't get paid sick days, we don't have holidays, we don't have medical care."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office did not return a call for comment.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.