Become a Certified Lifeguard in New York with ALA

If you visit beaches or swimming pools in New York, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. A lifeguard’s essential responsibility is to help prevent accidents, enforce safety rules, and respond quickly in emergencies. Lifeguard training in New York fulfills this purpose, preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, indoor pools, and community aquatic centers.

New York offers a wide range of aquatic environments, including ocean beaches, public pools, resort pools, lakes, and rivers. With millions of residents and visitors participating in water activities each year, the demand for trained lifeguards remains consistently high, especially during the summer season.

Lifeguard Training in New York

Lifeguards in New York work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, hotels, swimming pools, state parks, and community recreation centers. With numerous aquatic facilities across New York City, Long Island, upstate regions, and the Hudson Valley, aspiring lifeguards have many opportunities to enter the field.

Lifeguard training in New York is the first step toward working in the aquatics industry. Once certified by an internationally respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates can pursue employment at beaches, pools, fitness clubs, and recreational centers.

ALA offers multiple training programs recognized both nationally and internationally, making certification valuable for local and global aquatic safety careers.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both nonprofit organizations dedicated to preventing drownings and improving aquatic safety worldwide.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, lakes, and waterways safer for everyone. To achieve this, ALA collaborates with aquatic employers across North America, including those in New York’s state parks, hotels, and recreation centers.

ALA has been referenced by major public safety organizations, such as:

• The CDC Healthy Swimming Program
• The U.S. Department of Labor
• The General Services Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA training has aligned with OSHA standards, followed the latest ECC science, and supported the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) requirements for pre-service and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in New York

To enroll in an ALA lifeguard training course in New York, candidates must meet the following age requirements:

• 15 years or older to work at a pool, lake, or waterpark
• 16 years or older to work at beaches and waterfront facilities

ALA Prerequisite Swimming Skills

Candidates must:

• Swim 300 yards continuously, including:
  • 100 yards front crawl
  • 100 yards breaststroke
  • 100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke

Timed Rescue Event

In 1 minute and 40 seconds, candidates must:

• Swim 20 yards
• Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
• Return 20 yards carrying the object
• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

At the end of the course, participants receive:

• ALA Lifeguarding Certification
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
  First Aid Certification

Each certification is valid for two years.

Lifeguarding in New York: Long-Term Career Options

While many individuals begin lifeguarding as a seasonal job, it can develop into a long-term profession in New York, especially with year-round indoor aquatic facilities.

Lifeguards may work at:

• Ocean beaches (Long Island, NYC)
• Public pools
• Hotel and resort pools
• Waterparks
• Lakes and state parks
• Schools and universities
• Fitness centers and sports complexes

With additional training, lifeguards can advance into:

• Water Safety Instructor
• Swim Coach
• Aquatic Facility Manager
• Recreation Supervisor
• Resort Safety Coordinator

These positions offer leadership pathways and higher earning potential.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in New York

During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants learn critical aquatic rescue, CPR/AED, and First Aid skills required for real-life emergencies.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry
• Stride and Compact Jump
• Rescue Approach
• Simple Assist
• Extension Assist from Deck
• Reaching and Throwing Assists
• Swimming Extension Rescue
• Active & Passive Drowning Victim Rescues
• Two-Person Removal with Backboard
• Passive Submerged Victim in Shallow Water
• Multiple-Victim Rescue
• Feet-First Surface Dive
• Submerged Victim Recovery in Deep Water
• Front & Rear Head-Hold Escapes
• Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries
• Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land
  Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim
• Head Splint Techniques
• Head and Chin Support (shallow and deep water)
• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims
• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves
• Initial Assessment
• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)
• Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Usage
• Conscious & Unconscious Choking Response
• One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer CPR
• AED for Adults & Children

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment
• Controlling External Bleeding
• Applying Slings, Binders, and Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim
• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
• Head, Neck, or Back Injury Scenario

Would you like to read about: Lifeguard Training in New Jersey

Famous New York Beaches Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Coney Island Beach (Brooklyn)

One of NYC’s most visited beaches is fully staffed with lifeguards during the summer.

Rockaway Beach (Queens)

A major surfing and swimming destination with designated guarded areas.

Jones Beach State Park (Long Island)

One of the busiest beaches in the United States requires a large lifeguard workforce.

Robert Moses State Park (Long Island)

A popular family beach known for strong waves, requiring trained supervision.

Fire Island National Seashore

A stunning but remote coastline where lifeguard presence is crucial for visitor safety.

Hamlin Beach (Upstate New York)

A Lake Ontario beach with seasonal lifeguard coverage.

The Final Wave

The purpose of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and maintain safe aquatic environments. Lifeguards in New York monitor beaches, pools, and recreational waters, using professional rescue skills and surveillance techniques to prevent accidents.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as a leading global provider of aquatic safety certification. With over 30 years of experience, ALA upholds a high standard of training and professionalism.

If you are searching for “lifeguard trauining near me in New York,” the American Lifeguard Association is an excellent choice. For details or enrollment, please contact ALA.