Syracuse Parks trains and hires lifeguards to help ensure the safety of our pool patrons at two (2) indoor pools and eight (8) outdoor pools throughout the City. We offer competitive rates between $17- $22.25 an hour.
Fees will be waived for City Residents who fulfill an employment contract for the upcoming summer season with a minimum of 20 hours per week.
To become a lifeguard you must:
Upon passing the pre-requisite swim test a member of the Aquatics team will call you to help with class placement. Classes are at Valley Pool
Wednesdays & Saturdays, November 20 to December 21, 2024, 5 to 8:30 p.m. (Wed.) & 8:30 a.m. to Noon (Sat.) Registration opens: Monday, September 2 at 4 p.m.
Sundays, January 5 to March 9, 2025, excluding February 9 & 16, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Registration opens: Monday, September 2 at 4 p.m.
Sundays, March 23 to May 18, 2025, excluding April 13, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Registration opens: Monday, September 2 at 4 p.m.
28 hours of class time is required for certification
Remember to bring:
At the end of the class you will be certified in:
Upon completing and passing the certification class, we invite to come work for Parks & Recreation at one of our pools located throughout the city of Syracuse. To get the process started, sign up for a free performance interview below.
Returning guards must also sign up for a free performance interview to work. 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. Pre-registration is required.
Sign up for a performance interview
To recertify as a lifeguard you must:
Classes are at Valley Pool.
Sign up for a recertification class
At the end of the class you will be recertified in:
Upon completing and passing the certification class, we will provide an application for employment.
For certified lifeguards that did not recertify with us or train this year, a performance interview is required to work. 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.
For pool cancellations/closings:
Become a Lifeguard CPR Renewals Lifeguard Recertifications
Swim in a City Pool Swim Lessons Water Exercise
What to know before you go