SUMMER LIFEGUARD QUALIFYING EXAMS START THIS MONTH! NYC PARKS CALLS ON ELIGIBLE NEW YORKERS TO SIGN UP NOW!

New lifeguards will earn $22/hour with an additional $880 training bonus - register here

Iconic Washington Square Arch will be lit up orange during October in honor of Parks lifeguards

NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today joined members of the NYC Parks lifeguard corps at a rally to announce the start of qualifying exams to become a lifeguard for the summer 2026 season and encourage New Yorkers to sign up. Lifeguard qualifying tests - the first step to becoming a lifeguard protecting city beaches and pools - will begin this year on October 25, more than a month earlier than previous years.

The announcement was made at a rally that brought a bit of the beach to Washington Square Park with lifeguard chairs, rescue boards, palm trees, and a lifeguard beach vehicle affectionately dubbed "Gina" (short for "Orangina"). Speakers included City Council Parks Committee Chair Shekar Krishnan, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Parks lifeguard Romeo Ortiz, and FDNY Lieutenant Brett Etheridge, who previously worked for 12 years as a Parks lifeguard. To honor lifeguards and promote awareness for recruitment, NYC Parks announced that the Washington Square Arch will be illuminated in orange every evening in October.

"This fall, orange isn't just for pumpkins! All October long, we're lighting up the Washington Square Park arch in the signature color of our lifeguard corps to remind New Yorkers that qualifying tests to become a summer lifeguard start now," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "Lifeguarding is an incredibly rewarding job that teaches you critical skills, hones judgement, and connects you with lifelong friends. NYC Parks has made incredible progress in rebuilding our lifeguard corps after the pandemic and we're getting an early start recruiting the City's newest heroes. Now, we need your help to make Summer 2026 the best summer ever."

Lifeguard qualifying tests will be held at indoor pools, including recreation centers and public schools, in all five boroughs. Test dates will be added on a rolling basis through February 2026.

Register for a qualifying test here.

To qualify to become a lifeguard, candidates must:

• Be at least 16 years of age by the start of employment.

• Have at least 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other - without corrective lenses.
  Glasses or contact lenses may not be worn during the eye exam.

• Be able to swim 50 yards in 50 seconds or less, with proper form.

On September 7, Parks closed out a successful 2025 summer season after safely hosting more than 9 million visitors at beaches and outdoor pools. Thanks to an aggressive recruitment campaign and expansion of training opportunities, Parks had 1,082 lifeguards staffing pools and beaches in summer 2025 - the highest total since 2019. This included a 23 percent increase in new recruits from 2024. Parks' brave lifeguards ensured the safety of millions of attendees and conducted more than 225 beach rescues throughout the summer.

Steps to Becoming a Lifeguard

1. Qualify

Sign up for a qualifying test. These tryouts take place in our indoor pools from late October through late February. All potential lifeguards must be able to swim 50 yards in 50 seconds or less and pass a vision exam. Candidates must be 16 or older by the first day of work. We'll even help you get ready for the test with our free Swim Prep program, providing personalized training to improve your speed, endurance, and stroke technique on your journey to becoming a lifeguard.

2. Train

Once you pass the qualifying test, your training to become an NYC Parks Lifeguard begins. During the 16-session program, you'll strengthen your swimming and learn crucial lifesaving techniques. Certification is awarded after passing a final swim test.

3. Guard

Our beaches open on Memorial Day Weekend and outdoor pools open in late June. Beaches and pools close the Sunday After Labor Day. If you successfully complete the training program, you may be offered a full-time position at a beach or pool and earn $22 per hour. Lifeguards also receive a $880 training bonus at the end of the season. Put your skills into action for an unforgettable summer job experience!

For more information, visit the Become an NYC Parks Lifeguard page.

"With higher wages, exciting bonuses, and easier pathways to becoming a lifeguard, the Parks Department is challenging New Yorkers to start the journey and apply to be a lifeguard. Lifeguard recruitment is more important than ever, as our city gets hotter and our summers get longer; ensuring our pools are properly staffed will save New Yorkers' lives," said New York City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation Chair Shekar Krishnan. "I'm thankful for Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa and her team for their hard work to make this initiative possible, and I encourage eligible New Yorkers to prep, test, train, and guard our beaches and pools next summer."

"New York City Lifeguards make a tremendous contribution to our city, enabling New Yorkers to safely enjoy the pools and beaches," said Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, and co-chair of the NYC Citywide Lifeguard & Aquatics Taskforce. "Today's beginner swimmers could be future lifeguards, a job which can lead to great career opportunities. We strongly support the City's efforts to recruit and train more lifeguards and encourage all New Yorkers to learn to swim."