World’s Oldest Lifeguard Still Swimming

Back in 2001, then 79-year old Sportsplex lifeguard Stephen Dicheck was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s oldest active lifeguard. He’s since retired from active duty, but he still keeps an eye on things at the pool when he swims several times a week. His usual routine is a few laps in the competition pool followed by exercise and fellowship in Esther’s Water Walk class.

Steve swims as preparation for competition in the NC Senior Games each spring, where he is a breaststroke star. He’s also won medals in track and field where he specializes in the shotput and discus. His start in swimming came abruptly at age 10 when he was shoved off a Manhattan pier into the East River.

Steve spent most of his career as a pilot, serving in WW II, Korea, and Vietnam as a Marine Corps flight navigator. He went on to fly as a civilian pilot for two airlines, ending in 1970. Steve also worked in data processing in the days of IBM punch cards.

He spent some time in the Fremont, CA police force as both in the property room and as an expediter. He didn’t take up lifeguarding until 1995, when he became the early morning lifeguard for the Sportsplex.

Steve gave the invocation at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sportsplex. He recalls a 3-piece band and a 5-foot long cake in the shape of the Sportsplex. “The Sportsplex is like a home to me. I feel like I’ve always been here.”

He encourages all of his family to swim, up to and including his eight great-grandchildren. Some might even follow in his strokes and be lifeguards when they’re a little older.

See you at the pool!

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World’s Oldest Lifeguard Still Swimming

Steve's start in swimming came abruptly at age 10 when he was shoved off a Manhattan pier into the East River.