Let us know what you think about this website by sending us feedback
NYC Parks Lifeguard
Health, Public Safety, Inspections, and Enforcement, Security with NYC Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks)
Full-time, Part-time, Temporary
Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island
Last updated on May 08, 2023
Spend your summer working outdoors – you’ll help keep New Yorkers safe, make new friends, and get paid to do it!
Make summer happen for NYC! Becoming a lifeguard is a rewarding experience. You’ll work outdoors in some of New York City’s most iconic locations, playing a critical role in helping New Yorkers of all ages and abilities have safe access to beaches and pools.
Ready to join? We’ll train you.
Try out! Pass the Qualifying Test
Taking the qualifying test is the first step toward becoming a lifeguard. These tryouts take place in our indoor pools over the winter before the upcoming summer season. All potential lifeguards must pass the Lifeguard Qualifying Test, a vision and swim exam.
Prepare for the Qualifying Test and Sign up for our Swim Skills Clinics
Train at Our Lifeguard School
Once you pass the qualifying test, your training to become an NYC Parks Lifeguard begins.
You’ll develop your swimming skills, learn lifesaving techniques, and receive your certification to become an NYC Parks Lifeguard.
Lifeguard Training is a 16-week program that consists of 40 hours of training, a CPR course, and final swimming tests.
Head to Our Beaches and Pools!
If you successfully complete the training program, you may be offered a full-time job for the summer working at a beach or pool in one of the best cities in the world!
Our beaches open on Memorial Day Weekend and outdoor pools open in late June. Beaches and pools close the Sunday After Labor Day.
Qualifying tests are later in the year for the beach and pool season of 2024.
Fill out the Lifeguard Recruitment Contact Form to be notified when future test dates become available