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. The next classes are at Onondaga Park Pool. Sessions are two weeks, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:

• Session I: June 26 - July 7
• Session II: July 10 - 21
• Session III: July 24 - Aug. 4.

Step 3.Attend all sessions.

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.