TO BECOME A LIFEGUARD YOU MUST:
(*After you have completed and passed the lifeguard class with the City of Syracuse, you will have earned 2 credits through O.C.C. College. The necessary paperwork will be submitted upon completion of the course and it will be up to the student to get the credit transferred to the appropriate college*)

A. Turn 15 years of age by the last day of class

B. Pre-register for a pre-requisite swim test held at Valley Pool

1. Pick a date and call the Aquatics Office at 473-4330 Ext. 3025
   • Wednesday, February 3rd at 7:30 p.m.
   • Sunday, February 7th at 12:30 p.m.
   • Wednesday, February 17th at 6:00 p.m.
   • Thursday, February 18th at 6:00 p.m.
   • Sunday, February 21st at 12:30 p.m.

C. Pass a pre-requisite swim test

1. Swim 300 yards (12 lengths of a 25 yard pool) using front crawl and breaststroke with breathing and;

2. Swim 20 yards, submerge to 12 ft. depth to recover a 10 lb. brick and return swim 20 yds and;

3. Swim 15 yards underwater

D. Sign up for the Lifeguard Class - Lifeguard Certification lasts 3 years

1. Spring Session - Sundays, March 14 - May 23, 2010 (no class April 4th) 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Valley Pool - Click here to complete and print a registration form

2. Make a check payable to COMMISIONER OF FINANCE

i. City Residents - $20.00
ii. Non-City Residents - $70.00

3. Mail or hand deliver your registration form and payment to: Syracuse Parks & Recreation, 412 Spencer Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 Attn: Lifeguard Registration.

4. ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS you must bring a check for $65.00 made payable to American Red Cross for your textbook and required materials.

If after you complete a Lifeguard Class and you want to work for a City Pool,
you must complete E and F too.

E. Sign up for a Lifeguard Evaluation - (approx. 2-3 hours depending on the # of participants) - This must be done annually to work for City Pools.

1. Complete an evaluation registration form -

2. Mail or hand deliver your evaluation registration to: Syracuse Parks & Recreation, 412 Spencer Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 Attn: Lifeguard Evaluation Registration.

3. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. There is a limit of 20 candidates per test.

F. Pending the completion of all the necessary requirements a Lifeguard Employment Agreement will be mailed to you approximately the first week in June.

1. The agreement will cover the training requirements, rate of pay, proposed dates of employment, employment site and site conditions. You will be responsible for signing and returning the agreement to: Syracuse Parks & Recreation, 412 Spencer Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 Attn: Lifeguard Employment Agreement.