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We're looking for Lifeguards!

Spend your summer at your favorite pool or beach.

Upstate Lifeguard Qualifications for 2010

  1. Minimum Age: 16 (preference is given to individuals 18 years of age and older)
  2. Prior to employment, you must have acceptable and current certifications in the following American Red Cross courses (or equivalent):
  • Lifeguarding - in the New York City Region
  • Waterfront Lifeguarding - for all regions except NYC and Long Island.
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer – which includes Adult and Child AED
  • First aid if not included in Lifeguard Training course material - in all regions except Long Island
  • Waterpark Lifeguarding certification for any lifeguard working at a park with water slides
  • All Lifeguard candidates are subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment

Consult with the Agency Water Safety Office for equivalent courses.

  • Lifeguard and First Aid certificates must be dated within the last three years;
  • CPR certificates must be dated within the last year;
  • A lifeguard will be terminated from lifeguard employment if any required certificate lapses during the operating season (recertification is acceptable);
  1. Candidates must successfully complete the practical examination and any other training programs sanctioned by the Agency.
  2. New candidates must undergo an interview by regional staff; the purpose of which is to evaluate an individual's maturity and ability to communicate.
  3. After receiving a "conditional" offer of employment, each NEW candidate will be required to submit a current "NYS Parks Medical Standards and Examination Findings" form, containing a Physician's certification concerning the candidate.
  • A minimum of 20/40 uncorrected vision is required in each eye. It is highly recommended that vision of 20/40 or better is corrected to 20/20.
  • Candidates must be able to hear normal sounds in each ear.
  • Returning lifeguards will be required to submit a notarized form stating they are physically capable of performing lifeguard duties, with no medical changes. A returning lifeguard may be required to secure a standard medical examination if there is any question concerning their physical status.
  • All medical records will be held in confidence.

Long Island Region Qualifying Procedure

Nassau Community College - Athletic Complex Pool
Jones Beach State Park - West Bathhouse Pool
Sunday, June 13, 2010 - 7:30 A.M. Start

To fill positions at Long Island State Parks where needed:
Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Sunken Meadow, Heckscher, Hither Hills, Montauk Downs, Orient Beach, and Wildwood

The minimum qualifications for taking the qualifying procedure and employment as a lifeguard are:

  1. Candidates must be at least 17 years of age by the date of the test – no exceptions.
  2. Candidates must be able to successfully complete both the Lifeguard Qualifying Procedure and the lifeguard training program. All candidates must attend 40 hours of required training in pay status before they can be considered for placement as New Hire lifeguards. First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer/AED certification requirements must be met on candidate’s own time prior to placement. No prior swimming certifications are necessary. Once hired, candidates will be trained and certified.
  3. All candidates participating in the Qualifying Procedure must present photo proof of age and identity prior to swim.
  4. Candidates must have at least 20/40 uncorrected vision in each eye. Contact lenses or glasses are not permitted.

Lifeguard Qualifying Procedure
Male candidates must wear either boxer, brief or board shorts when qualifying
Female candidates must wear a standard one piece or two piece bathing suit

  1. Four Lap Swim (Timed) 100 Yards at Nassau Community College
    Applicant must finish swim in 75 seconds or less to continue.
  2. Cross-Chest Carry (Timed) 50 Yards (25 Yard Swim; 25 Yard Cross-Chest Carry) at NCC
    Applicant carries manikin in cross-chest position. Must complete the event in 70 seconds or less.
  3. Ocean Swim (Timed) Approximately 350 to 400 Yards at JB West Bathhouse Oceanfront
    Applicant must complete the swim on prescribed open water, run-swim-run course to continue. Stopping will result in being disqualified.
  4. Beach Run - (Timed) 1200 Yards at JB West Bathhouse Oceanfront
    Applicant must complete the run in six minutes or less to continue. Time may be adjusted to account for unusual tidal or surface conditions.

Note: All elements must be successfully completed to be considered qualified for hiring. (Not necessarily performed in this order.) Also, all candidates must provide their own transportation from NCC to Jones Beach West Bathhouse

After notification of successful completion, candidate must present the following documentation prior to employment:

  1. A form signed by a qualified physician stating that the candidate is able to perform "full lifeguard duties" (due only after candidate has received a conditional offer of employment) and meets acceptable standardized requirements.
  2. An original birth certificate indicating that the candidate is at least 17 years of age (current U.S. Passport may be presented in lieu of birth certificate at the time of hiring).
  3. An original Social Security Card.
  4. Candidates who are 17 years of age must present valid working papers.
  5. All New Hire candidates must present acceptable proof of employment eligibility and all candidates will be fingerprinted.
  6. All New Hire candidates must successfully complete 40 hours of lifeguard rookie training in pay status prior to reporting to their assigned work stations.

Immediately after successfully completing the procedure, Park assignments will be made in the West Bathhouse Pool meeting room.

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