The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has begun its annual effort to recruit lifeguards for the 2026 swimming season, aiming to staff beaches and pools ahead of the summer months.
State officials said the hiring push is intended to ensure safe swimming conditions across New York’s park system, which draws millions of visitors each year. Lifeguard positions are open to experienced swimmers as well as students seeking seasonal work, with qualifying exams scheduled statewide and posted on the agency’s website.
Starting wages range from $21.86 to $24.04 an hour, depending on location, and may increase. Applicants must hold lifeguarding and CPR certifications at the time of employment.
The agency expects to hire about 1,100 lifeguards to staff roughly 80 state park beaches and pools. Candidates for positions outside Long Island may qualify at any scheduled testing site, while new hiring procedures for Long Island applicants are set to begin June 7.
Applicants must complete a qualifying procedure before receiving a conditional job offer. Additional qualifying dates will be added on a rolling basis; preregistration is encouraged.
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks and historic sites statewide, which collectively receive more than 88 million visitors each year.
For more information visit parks.ny.gov or call 518.474.0456.
