The Qualifying Test
All candidates are tested by Parks' Lifeguard School to ensure that they meet the highest standards. Candidates interested in becoming a lifeguard must first pass a qualifying test.
To qualify, you must:
Be able to swim 50 yards in 35 seconds with proper form.
Have a minimum of 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other, without corrective lenses. Glasses and contact lenses may not be worn during the eye exam.
Be at least 16 years old when the position begins.
Once you've passed the qualifying test, you're able to go onto the next step of becoming a New York City Lifeguard: the Municipal Lifeguard Training Program.
*If youre from another country, please visit our international lifeguard page for guidelines.
Testing has ended for the 2008 summer season. If you are interested in becoming a New York City Lifeguard for the summer of 2009, fill out our online form. A Parks representative will contact you in the fall with information about the 2009 lifeguard qualifying test, which will begin in January.
