DATE: Daily, Monday through Friday, through mid-April
TIME: 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (2 tests daily; no appointment necessary)
LOCATION: Parks’ Lifeguard School 533 West 59th Street (between 10th and 11th Avenues)
*Please inquire for possible upcoming satellite testing sites in other
boroughs
Fill out the Online Lifeguard Information Request Form
DETAILS:
The time is now to take a free qualifying test, the first step to becoming a New York City lifeguard. Successful lifeguard candidates will be able to meet the following qualifying test requirements:
• Be able to swim 50 yards in 35 seconds or less with proper form.
• Have at least 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other – without corrective lenses. Glasses and contact lenses are not permitted during the eye exam.
• Be at least 16 years of age by the start of employment.
*Please bring to the qualifying test a bathing suit, a towel and a combination lock or padlock (for a locker). Goggles are optional.
Qualifying candidates will be enrolled in Parks’ free Municipal Lifeguard Training Program, which is the only certification accepted for employment as a New York City lifeguard. The training program consists of 40 hours of instruction in swimming and rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR. Class sessions typically meet once a week for 16 weeks, with each class lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Upon completion of the training program, candidates must pass a final swim test and a written exam.
Once you begin working as a lifeguard, you will be paid for your time spent in training. First-year lifeguards will earn at least $11.72 an hour, and work 48 hours (6 days) a week. If you become a lifeguard, you will be guaranteed a job for the summer at one of the City’s seven beaches or 53 outdoor pools. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks
