More Lifeguards, Better Pay: NYC Enhances Beach Safety Ahead of Summer

New York City is preparing to increase the number of lifeguards at its beaches and pools as summer approaches.

On Friday, May 24th, Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced the issuance of an award by an arbitration panel in the city’s continuous negotiations with the union representing city lifeguards.

The outcome allows the city to employ additional lifeguards, thereby increasing the swimming capacity at city beaches and pools and enhancing the overall management of the lifeguard program.

Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of city beaches and pools, describing them as vital spaces for families and children to enjoy the summer months.

“Today’s big win for public safety at our pools and beaches means we’ll be able to potentially hire more lifeguards for this summer and get even more in the pipeline for summers to come,” Adams stated.

He added,  “All of our lifeguards will still be trained in CPR, first aid, and rescue skills, and we’ll be able to have our strongest swimmers focused on our beaches, where conditions are rougher. We want every New Yorker to have a great summer of surf and sand.”

To attract more lifeguards, the city has decided to raise the hourly wage to $22 and introduce an annual $1,000 bonus for summer returnees.

Further changes include an update to the qualifications for lifeguards at shallow water pools and an alignment of vision requirements with state and industry standards, eliminating the previous 300-yard swim requirement for such assignments.

Commissioner Donoghue highlighted the new agreement’s importance for immediate and future improvements. “This new agreement comes in time to make an impact this year and will also allow us to make the important structural changes needed and recommended by DOI to ensure that this program is run fairly and in the best interest of New Yorkers,” she remarked. 

Donoghue continued, “Becoming a seasonal lifeguard is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a brave team dedicated to public service. This agreement will ensure that we’re able to increase our lifeguard ranks to better serve New Yorkers and keep them safe at our beaches and pools.”

Starting in 2025, the city will implement a tiered vision requirement system, allowing individuals with up to 20/70 uncorrected vision in each eye to qualify, provided they use corrective lenses.

The expansion of the lifeguard team comes just in time for the opening of all city beaches to the public for Memorial Day weekend, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable beach experience for everyone this summer.