Become a Lifeguard

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.

How much does it to become a lifeguard cost?

City Residents Registration Fee: $25
Noncity Resident Registration Fee: $75
Certification Fee: $80 for everyone and should be paid by check and brought the first day of class. Check made payable to Commissioner of Finance.

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.

NEW LIFEGUARDS

Step 1.Check your eligibility.

To become a lifeguard you must:

Be 15 years of age by the last day of class.
Register and pass a free pre-requisite swim test at Valley Pool TODAY! Pre-requisite test includes:
- Be able to swim 200 yards.
- Be able to retrieve objects from 12 feet.
- Tread water for 2 minutes without hands.
Sign up for a pre-requisite swim test

Step 2.Sign up for a certification class.

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

Fall 2024 Sessions

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.

Winter 2025 Session

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.

Spring 2025 Session

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.

Step 3.About the Class.

28 hours of class time is required for certification

Remember to bring:

Swimsuit
Towel
Goggles

At the end of the class you will be certified in:

Lifeguarding (Not waterfront)
First Aid
CPR for the professional rescuer
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Step 4.Apply for a job.

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.

Step 5.Complete the hiring process.

RECERTIFY AS LIFEGUARD

Step 1.Check your eligibility.

To recertify as a lifeguard you must:

Hold a current lifeguard certification about to expire or expired in the last few weeks.

Step 2.Sign up for a recertification class.

Classes are at Valley Pool.

Dates coming soon!
Sign up for a recertification class

Step 3.Attend all session dates.

Remember to bring:

Swimsuit
Towel
Goggles

At the end of the class you will be recertified in:

Lifeguarding (Not waterfront)
First Aid
CPR for the professional rescuer
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

Step 4.Apply for a job.

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.