New Yorkers now have a record number of lifeguards keeping them safe as they head to the beach this summer.

Speaking at Coney Island Thursday afternoon, Parks Commissioner Adriene Benepe announced that his department has finally surpassed the goal of having 1,200 lifeguards on staff.

Some 300 of the lifeguards, who will be stationed at local beaches, are new hires who underwent weeks of training. Benepe also says the Parks Department has increased the hourly rate for all lifeguards this year by $1.