New York State Parks - Long Island Region - Lifeguard Qualifying Procedure
SUNDAY, JUNE 8th, 2025 AT 7:30 AM PROMPTLY
The first three portions of the qualifying procedure will occur at Suffolk County Community College Pool, Grant Campus, Brentwood.
For the remaining portion at Jones Beach State Park, all participants will be parking in the Field 4 parking lot and reporting to the West Bathhouse Ocean Front.
Lifeguard Qualifying Procedure:
• 100 yard Timed Swim (Suffolk County Community College) - Applicant must finish swim in 75 seconds or less to continue.
• 50 yard Cross-Chest Carry (Suffolk County Community College) - 25 yard swim; 25 yard applicant carries manikin in cross-chest position in 70 seconds or less.
• ¾ mile (1,320 yards) Timed Endurance Run (Suffolk County Community College) - Applicant must complete the ¾ mile (1,320 yards) run in six minutes or less. (Footwear/Sneakers required).
• Timed Ocean Swim (Jones Beach State Park) - Applicant must complete the approximately 350-400 yard ocean swim on prescribed open water, run-swim-run course to continue. Stopping will result in disqualification.
NOTE: All elements must be successfully completed to be considered qualified for hiring. (Not necessarily performed in this order).
Please be prepared for approximately an 8-hour day. Bring food, water & warm clothing with you.
All candidates must provide their own transportation from Suffolk County Community College to Jones Beach West Bathhouse. Use Parking Field #4.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Candidates must be at least 17 years of age by the date of the test. No exceptions will be made.
• Male candidates MUST wear either boxer, brief, or board shorts when qualifying*. (*Subject to approval). Jammers are not permitted.
• Female candidates MUST wear a standard one-piece or two-piece swimsuit*. (*Subject to approval).
• All candidates participating in the qualifying procedure must present photo proof of age and identity prior to swim. Please have government photo identification.
• Candidates must be able to successfully complete both the Lifeguard Qualifying Procedure and the Lifeguard Training Program. All candidates must attend 40 hours of required training in pay status before they can be considered for placement as New Hire Lifeguards. New Hire candidates must be certified in CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer prior to reporting to their assigned workstations. Basic First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen certification will be provided during training. No prior swimming certifications are necessary.
• Candidates must have at least 20/70 uncorrected or 20/40 corrected vision in each eye. Contact lenses or glasses are not permitted during the qualifying procedure.
Prior to employment, those candidates with park assignments must present the following documentation:
• A NYS Parks medical standards form completed by a qualified physician stating the candidate meets criteria listed to perform full lifeguard duties and meets acceptable standardized requirements.
• An original birth certificate indicating that the candidate is at least 17 years of age. (Current U.S. passport may be presented in lieu of birth certificate at the time of hiring).
• An original Social Security card.
• Candidates who are 17 years of age must present valid working papers.
• All New Hire candidates must present acceptable proof of employment eligibility.
Please note that candidates will have approximately one week to submit all required documentation and may need to make an appointment with their physician.
AFTER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THE PROCEDURE, PARK ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ON MONDAY, JUNE 9th, 2025. Potential Assignments locations include: Orient Beach, Montauk Downs, Hither Hills, Wildwood, Heckscher, Sunken Meadow, Robert Moses and Jones Beach.
Qualifier Entries will be accepted until 4:00 PM on Friday, June 6th, 2025.
Any questions, feel free to call the Long Island State Parks’ Water Safety Office at (631) 321-5871.