Lifeguards to Receive Additional Raises

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced Tuesday that the City has reached an agreement with DC37 to raise the pay rates for new and second year seasonal lifeguards to approximately $21.26/hr. Additionally, all lifeguards working through mid-August are eligible to receive a $1,000 bonus, and Parks will once again offer a mini-pool specific lifeguard certification for staff who cover mini-pools only, making it more accessible for New Yorkers to secure a job as a lifeguard.  

“Our public pools and beaches offer New Yorkers a safe place to get exercise, beat the heat, and make the most of their summers,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “The wellbeing of our swimmers is our number one priority, and lifeguards are essential to creating safe environments that all New Yorkers can enjoy. As we continue to build our lifeguard corps, we’re committed to supporting these critical staff who put their own safety at risk to save lives and make summer happen for millions of New Yorkers.”   

Qualifying exams for new lifeguards were held starting in December 2022 and ended in March 2023. New Yorkers who worked as lifeguards in Summer 2022 are urged to sign up today to get their recertification with the NYC Parks Lifeguard School in order to serve again this summer.