There’s still time to become a lifeguard. The City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation is offering another full lifeguard training class and recertification training class for the 2024 summer season, which begins in mid-June. Interested candidates can sign up now for a prerequisite swim test to be included in the next certification course starting on May 18.
Lifeguard Training
To be eligible for the class, participants must be age 15 or older by the last class and pass a prerequisite swim test. Online preregistration is required for prerequisite swim tests at https://bit.ly/prereqswimtest. Prerequisite swim tests are offered Monday-Friday in the evening. Participants will be enrolled in the full lifeguard training class upon successful completion of the prerequisite swim test. Participants will be taught skills and techniques for Lifeguarding, Professional Rescuer CPR, First Aid, and AED. The certification is valid for two years. The class does not include Waterfront certification. Space is limited for each session. The following lifeguard recertification session is available:
- Wednesdays, Fridays (4:30 to 8 p.m.) & Saturdays (10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), May 18 to June 1.
Noncity residents are welcome and encouraged to register but will be subject to the $75 class fee and $80 certification fee to enroll in the lifeguarding training class.
Learn more at syr.gov/becomealifeguard.
Lifeguard Recertification Training
For individuals that need to extend or recertify their certification for two more years, we have a session available to register for online at https://bit.ly/syrlifeguardrecert . The prerequisite swim test will be included at the start of this session. Preregistration is required. The following lifeguard recertification session is available:
- Friday, May 24, 5 to 10:30 p.m. & Saturday, May 25, 9 to 11 a.m.
Noncity residents are welcome and encouraged to register for a prerequisite swim test but will be subject to the $75 class fee and $50 certification fee to enroll in the lifeguarding recertification training class.
Lifeguard Performance Interview
For individuals currently holding a lifeguard certification and wish to work for the City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation pools, a performance interview is required. Proficiency standards must be met in each event to be eligible for hire. The performance interview is free of charge and consists of a practical test covering the candidate’s lifeguarding and CPR skills. Hiring priority is given to city residents. Preregistration is required. The following lifeguard performance interview sessions are available:
- Saturday, May 25, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 29, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Learn more at syr.gov/becomealifeguard.
Summer Swim Lessons
Summer lesson locations and times will be available beginning in June on syracuse.recdesk.com. Registration for Session I will be Thursday, June 27 at 4 p.m. for city residents and Friday, June 28 at 4 p.m. for nonresidents.
Pool Sites
For pool locations and hours, visit syr.gov/swimming. Schedules for summer 2024 will be released by mid-June.
Additional Aquatics Positions Available
City Parks is also recruiting for certified pool operators (training provided) and evening pool monitors. Email blopes@syr.gov for more information. The City offers free Centro bus service to all city employees.
For questions, email syracuseparks@syrgov.net. For the latest news and updates, follow Syracuse Parks on Facebook, Instagram, visit syracuse.recdesk.com or syr.gov/parks.