Training the Future: NYC’s New Lifeguard Program Transforms the Culture of Beach Safety

As the summer sun begins to blaze over New York City, thousands will descend upon its 14 miles of public beaches for recreation, relief, and relaxation. But behind every swimmer and sunbather stands a vital figure the NYC lifeguard. While the citys beach season starts in late May, the journey to the lifeguard tower begins long before the first flip-flops hit the sand.

Recent changes to the citys lifeguard training program mark a turning point in how the city protects its swimmers and nurtures the next generation of lifesavers. Gone are the days of centralized training and legacy obstacles. In their place, a more inclusive, citywide approach is giving rise to a new wave of lifeguards more diverse, better prepared, and deeply motivated.

From Pool Decks to Shorelines: The Evolution of Lifeguard Recruitment

For decades, NYCs lifeguard program was controlled tightly by union interests, with training and testing confined to a select few locations. Aspiring lifeguards had to navigate logistical challenges and a competitive system that was often opaque and exclusionary.

A 2021 Department of Investigation report laid bare how this centralized model created bottlenecks and limited access. In response, city officials armed with a historic labor agreement reached just last year took decisive action to decentralize and modernize the process. Training and testing are now held at multiple high schools across the five boroughs, including Fort Hamilton, Curtis, James Madison, and Far Rockaway. A Bronx location is planned for next year.

A New Era of Accessibility and Equity

This shift is about more than logistics its about opportunity. By bringing lifeguard training to more neighborhoods, the city is making it easier for young people of all backgrounds to participate. What was once an exclusive and bureaucratic system is being reshaped into a more democratic pipeline for civic employment and lifesaving service.

The impact is already visible: more teens, especially from underserved communities, are lining up to take the plunge literally into lifeguard training. These new recruits are not only learning critical water rescue techniques, but also developing leadership, responsibility, and resilience.

Inside the Training: Grit, Growth, and Teamwork

Training to be a lifeguard in NYC is no easy feat. Its a weeks-long process that tests endurance, strength, quick thinking, and teamwork. Trainees are expected to pass a series of rigorous swimming tests, including underwater swims, timed sprints, and rescue simulations.

One Sunday morning at Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, a new class of trainees pushed themselves across the water on rescue boards, flipped drowning victims onto flotation devices, and raced to simulate real-life emergencies. There were stumbles and struggles but also perseverance, camaraderie, and a growing confidence that these young people were preparing for something bigger than themselves.

New Faces of Leadership

Take Triolo, for example a teenage girl who started swim classes at an early age, joined a competitive swim team, and now trains with Freedom Aquatics. Inspired by her mothers dreams, she took the leap into lifeguard training and is thriving.

I love the challenge, she said. Its tough, but Ive learned so much. Were not just learning how to save lives were learning how to lead.

Her story is echoed across the city as more young people particularly young women and people of color step into roles that once seemed distant or unattainable.

A Cultural Reboot for a Critical Role

The reforms extend beyond logistics. They represent a broader cultural reset aimed at dismantling old hierarchies and creating a more transparent, accountable system. For the Parks Department, its about rebuilding trust with both lifeguards and the public.

Outgoing Parks Commissioner Susan Donoghue, who played a key role in pushing for these changes, sees this as a legacy achievement.

I know the struggle that its been for 40 years, Donoghue told THE CITY. I also knew that we could change it.

And change it they did with an eye toward the future.

Solving the Shortage: Staffing Up to Save Lives

New York City, like many municipalities, has faced a serious shortage of lifeguards in recent years. COVID-19 disrupted training cycles, and years of systemic neglect discouraged new recruits. But by breaking down barriers to entry and investing in training across the boroughs, city officials hope to reverse that trend.

More accessible programs mean more applicants. Better training means stronger guards. And an expanded talent pool means that fewer beaches or pools will face closures due to staff shortages. For a city surrounded by water and grappling with rising heat thats a public safety imperative.

Beyond the Shore: Lifeguarding as a Career Path

City lifeguarding isnt just a summer job. For many, it becomes a gateway to careers in public service, health, fitness, and even emergency response. With structured training, mentoring, and ongoing skill development, lifeguards often grow into supervisory roles, EMTs, firefighters, or educators.

The new model envisions lifeguarding not just as a seasonal gig, but as a professional stepping stone particularly for NYCs youth. Its a vision that aligns with broader city goals around workforce development and community engagement.

Looking Ahead: The Future of NYC Water Safety

As climate change drives more people to seek cooling waters and increases the frequency of extreme weather events the need for a well-trained, reliable lifeguard corps becomes more urgent. NYCs investment in a broader, more inclusive training program is not just progressive its necessary.

The citys beaches and pools are cherished public spaces. Keeping them safe means preparing a new generation of lifeguards who are not only ready to respond to emergencies, but also serve as ambassadors of public health and community spirit.

In the waves, on the boards, and along the shoreline, the future is already here orange suits and all.

Credit: Adapted and expanded from original reporting by Katie Honan