Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP / Getty Images
New York City is actively recruiting lifeguards for the upcoming summer season despite the winter chill. The city has been struggling with a lifeguard shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced limited hours at some pools and beaches in recent summers.
"We're calling on brave New Yorkers to serve the city by safeguarding swimmers at our beaches and outdoor pools," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa in a press release. "With $22 hourly wages, easier access to qualifying tests in every borough, and a $908 training bonus for new recruits, there's never been a better time to become an NYC lifeguard."
To qualify for the position, candidates must be at least 16 years old by July 18, 2026, have vision of at least 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other without corrective lenses, and be able to swim 50 yards in 50 seconds or less with proper form.
The Parks Department began conducting qualifying tests in October and will continue to hold them in all five boroughs through late February. Those who pass the qualifying test will enter a 16-session training program where they'll learn crucial lifesaving techniques before being certified.
For those who need help preparing for the test, the city offers a free Swim Prep program that provides personalized training to improve speed, endurance, and stroke technique.
New York City beaches are scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend, with outdoor pools following in late June. Both will remain open until the Sunday after Labor Day.
Interested candidates can register for a qualifying test on the NYC Parks website. Applications are due by February 28, according to PIX11 News.
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