International Lifeguards Wanted

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Come to New York City and join a team of skilled lifeguards who safeguard our 14 miles of ocean beach and 54 outdoor swimming pools. Be part an organization of over 1000 dedicated New York City Lifeguards with the Parks Department this summer who watch over 20 million swimmers. Although lifeguarding in New York City is challenging, it is also extremely rewarding. Lifeguards watch over skilled and unskilled swimmers and are called upon to make split second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. As a New York City Lifeguard, you learn to work as part of a team in a variety of high pressure situations. Our beach season runs from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.

Requirements

To become a New York City Lifeguard , previous lifeguard experience is essential. Candidates will be required to participate in a brief training course familiarizing them with New York City Lifeguard techniques including but not limited to CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) certification. It is crucial that candidates already have previous lifeguard experience, advanced swimming skills, and be in excellent physical condition when they arrive in New York City. Qualifications are:

Be at least 18 years old
Vision must be at least 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other, without corrective lenses. Glasses and contacts may NOT be worn during the eye exam.
Pool Lifeguards must be able to swim a ¼ mile (402 meters) in 7 minutes and 40 seconds
Beach Lifeguards must be able to swim a ¼ mile (402 meters) in 6 minutes and 40 seconds

It is strongly recommended that candidates have an eye exam prior to coming to New York to ensure they meet the vision requirements. Currently, we are only hiring lifeguards on J-1 visas and candidates must be enrolled in College. Non-students may be eligible to apply soon.

Pay

As a first-year lifeguard, you will be paid $12.55 an hour and work 48 hours (6 days) each week. Our lifeguards are paid every two weeks. Beach season runs from Memorial Day weekend (last weekend in May) until Labor Day (first weekend in September). Pools are open from late June until Labor Day.

Getting the J-1 Exchange Visitors Visa and Coming to New York

If you meet the above criteria and you would like to come to New York to become a Lifeguard this summer, the first step is to obtain a J-1 visa. The J-1 visa allows foreign students to visit the United States to work. J-1 visa holders can stay in the United States for up to four months and part of the time can be used for traveling. Most students who come to the United States on a J-1 visa use an expediting service to help obtain the visa, provide insurance, locate a position, and assist with housing. Below is a listing of organizations that can help you obtain a lifeguard job in New York City.

Visa Assistance Links

Housing/Transportation:

Although we cannot offer housing or transportation, we will provide a variety of options for international lifeguards:

The YMCA of Greater New York
www.ymcanyc.org/reservations

Accommodations
The YMCA of Greater New York is working in conjunction with the Parks Department to provide affordable housing for our international lifeguards at a special discount. Space is limited and depending on occupancy rates and work location, international lifeguards could be housed at one of five YMCA locations throughout the City.

Lifeguards will be required to pay rent to the YMCA up front on a weekly basis. Lifeguards will also be required to give one week's notice prior to departing from the YMCA.
All lifeguards who stay at the YMCA must agree to adhere to the "YMCA Code of Conduct." Failure to comply with the code will result in eviction from the premises and possibly other punitive measures.
Review the "YMCA Code of Conduct."