Become a Lifeguard

Step 1.Check your eligibility.

To become a lifeguard you must:

• Be 15 years of age by the last day of class.
• Be able to swim 300 yards.
• Be able to retrieve objects from 12 feet.
• Be able to swim 15 yards underwater.
• Tread water for 2 minutes without hands.
• Register and pass a free pre-requisite swim test at Valley Pool. (Filter by Certification & Training)
  Sign up for a pre-requisite swim test 

If you are a certified lifeguard and need to renew your certification email ParksAquatics@syr.gov for more information. 

Step 2.Sign up for a certification class. 

Staff will contact you upon passing the pre-requisite swim test. Classes are at Valley Pool.

• Fall Session 
  • Saturdays, Sept. 23 to Nov. 11, 2023
  • 5 to 8:30 p.m.
• Winter Quick Session
  • Saturdays & Wednesdays, Nov. 29 to Dec. 23, 2023
  • 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (on Saturdays) & 5 to 8:30 p.m. (on Wednesdays)
• Winter Session
  • Sundays, Jan. 7 to March 10, 2024 (excluding Feb. 11 & 18)
  • 5 to 8:30 p.m.
• Spring Session 
  • Sundays, March 17 to May 12, 2024 (excluding April 21)
  • 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Step 3.Attend all session dates.

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 will provide an application for employment.

Step 5.Complete the hiring process.