Summer lifeguards wanted

Although the days of surf and sand seem very far away, City Councilmember Eric Ulrich wants you to know that the City Parks Department has begun to recruit lifeguard candidates for the 2011 summer season.
Applications are currently being accepted for the Municipal Lifeguard Training Program, which is the first step in obtaining a great job in public service that pays well and allows employees to work outdoors and stay fit.
Parks lifeguards play a critical role in the operation of the city’s seven public beaches and 54 outdoor pools, noted Ulrich. This employment opportunity provides young people with a chance to be a part of a large, public organization committed to public safety. The minimum qualifications to enter the course are that participants be at least 16 years old, have eyesight no worse than 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other and be able to swim 50 yards in 35 seconds with proper form.
Those who qualify will enter the city’s training program, which consists of swimming and rescue techniques, first aid and CPR. The program is free, and candidates who successfully complete it will be paid for their time spent in training once they become a lifeguard. First-year lifeguards will earn at least $13.57 an hour, and most lifeguards work a six-day week, for a weekly salary of at least $651.36.
“At a time when it can be especially difficult for young adults to find jobs, this program offers a great chance to make some money this summer,” said Ulrich. “I urge any interested candidates to pursue this opportunity to serve the city while taking home a nice paycheck.”
As a result of last year’s recruitment efforts, the city was able to open more areas of beach to the public and offer more programming at pools than in previous years. The Parks Department hopes to build on that success this year and has begun offering the qualifying test for entry into the program at locations around the city.
Check nyc.gov/parks for a complete list of testing sites, and e-mail lifeguard@parks.nyc.gov for additional information.
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