Lifeguard Class in New York

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Lifeguard Class in New York runs as a blended course, with online coursework followed by in-person water skills sessions.

How much does lifeguard certification cost in New York?

New York pricing opens at $195.00 for 7.5 hours online and 2 days on site. Entry requires age 15 and a continuous 300 yard swim.

Cost
Starting at $195.00 per participant, with group discounts available.
Course length
7.5 hours of online training plus 2 days in person.
Minimum age
Be at least 15 years old by the last day of class.
Swim test
The prerequisites: 300 yards continuous, 2 minutes treading with legs alone, and a 10-lb brick retrieved from 7 to 10 feet and returned within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
Certifications
Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid.
Valid for
Two years from the date of issue. Recertification is 10 hours of in-person training.
Format
Blended: online coursework completed at your own pace, then in-person skills sessions in New York.
See Course Dates

Upcoming lifeguard classes in New York

Every scheduled session is run by American Aquatics and Safety Training. Dates, times and prices below come straight from the booking system.

Lifeguard certification (Lifeguard, First Aid, CPR/AED)

Class daysTimePriceBooking
Sun, Dec 6 and Sun, Dec 1310:00 am to 8:30 pm each day$420Book
Sun, Dec 13 and Sun, Dec 2010:00 am to 8:30 pm each day$420Book
Sun, Dec 20 and Sun, Dec 2710:00 am to 8:30 pm each day$420Book
Sun, Dec 27 and Sun, Jan 310:00 am to 8:30 pm each day$420Book

Other courses at the same venue

CourseNext sessionPrice
Lifeguard Re-certificationSun, Dec 6, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm$265
Waterfront LifeguardingSun, Dec 6, 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm$150
Lifeguard prep classSun, Nov 1, 8:30 am to 9:30 am$125
Nassau County Lifeguard Exam Preparation ClassSun, Dec 6, 8:30 am to 10:30 am$150
CPR for the Professional RescuerSun, Dec 6, 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm$125
Water Swimming InstructorSun, Dec 6, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm$450
Lifeguard InstructorSun, Dec 6, Sun, Dec 13, Sun, Dec 20 and Sun, Dec 27, Time on booking$450
See all 299 scheduled sessions

New York recognises this certification

The New York State Department of Health publishes Aquatic Certifications for NYS Bathing Facilities, the fact sheet that sets out which lifeguard certifications are accepted at which kind of bathing facility, under the State Sanitary Code. American Aquatics and Safety Training is listed in the January 2026 fact sheet with:

  • Lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, accepted at Level IIa, pool only
  • Lifeguard, Waterfront, CPR/AED, First Aid, accepted at Level IIb, pool and beach, as well as IIa
  • Waterfront Lifeguard, accepted at Level IIb and IIa
  • Shallow Pool Lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid, for pools with a maximum depth of five feet

Certification titles that include Recertification are accepted.

The limit, stated plainly: this certification is not accepted for Level I surf supervision, which is ocean surf bathing. If you are aiming for a surf beach in New York you need a surf level certification from one of the agencies listed for that level. Note too that New York requires separate CPR certification, valid one year, and caps lifeguard certifications at three years however long the issuing agency says.

Read it yourself: Aquatic Certifications for NYS Bathing Facilities (PDF).

Five state health departments publish a list naming American Aquatics and Safety Training. Besides this one: Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida. Separately, the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code lists our Lifeguard Training Course as a CMAHC Certified Product and Service.

Who offers lifeguard training and certification in New York?

Get certified in Lifeguard Training in New York. We provide lifeguard training, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification across New York. The course prepares you for pool, waterfront, and waterpark lifeguard positions. Choose from flexible class schedules, expert instructors, and fast certification options trusted by New York swim facilities, camps, and recreation centers. If you are looking for a lifeguard class in New York , look no further.
Looking for lifeguard training in New York? American Aquatics and Safety Training runs credentials, approved in almost every state in the US and CMAHC approved, that prepare you for work at pools, camps, waterparks and beaches.
Our program combines 26.5 hours of classroom and in-water instruction so you finish fully prepared for emergencies, holding certification approved in almost every state in the US and CMAHC approved. Whether you’re looking for your first lifeguard certification in New York or need recertification, we have courses to fit your schedule.
American Aquatics and Safety Training is approved in almost every state in the US and CMAHC approved, providing lifeguard training and lifeguard certification programs. Our courses, including CPR, AED, and First Aid training, are designed to meet the highest standards in aquatic safety and emergency preparedness.
We follow the guidelines of the CDC Healthy Swimming program, as well as standards recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), maintaining scope and quality on a par with other leading national providers. Since the early 2,000’s, we have ensured that all of our lifeguard training and safety courses comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, giving both employers and participants confidence that our certifications support workplace safety, legal compliance, and professional excellence.

In addition, American Aquatics and Safety Training is approved by the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), which is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CMAHC sets science-based aquatic health and safety standards that feed national guidance on drowning prevention, waterborne disease control and facility risk reduction. Being CMAHC-approved means that our lifeguard training programs adhere to evidence-based best practices in line with CDC recommendations, which is a further reason organisations, employers and individuals can rely on the certification.

Why Take Lifeguard Classes in New York with Us?

Lifeguard Jobs in New York: Launch Your Career

Are you searching for lifeguard jobs in New York? Certified lifeguards are in high demand across the state, from community pools in New York City and Buffalo to waterfront parks in Rochester and the Hamptons. If you’re looking to get certified, taking a lifeguard class in New York is the first step toward landing one of these positions. New York employers offer seasonal, part-time, and year-round opportunities with pay ranging from $15 to $21 per hour, depending on location and experience.
Some of the most common lifeguard job opportunities in New York include:
Lifeguard Class in New York: Beach Lifeguards

Beach Lifeguards

Beaches, lakes and waterfront parks across New York hire lifeguards to supervise open-water swimming areas.

Pool Lifeguards

Pool Lifeguards

Country clubs, community pools, and apartment complexes hire certified guards seasonally.

Swim School & YMCA Lifeguards

Swim School & YMCA Lifeguards

Ongoing employment in New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester.

Junior Lifeguard Programs

Junior Lifeguard Programs

A great first step for teens looking to prepare for future employment.

Ready to apply? Visit our guide to Summer lifeguard jobs in New York for current requirements, hiring timelines, and application tips. Pair it with How to pass the lifeguard test in New York to hit every benchmark with confidence.

Why Train With Lifeguard & Safety Training?

Certification Accepted by New York Employers – Our credentials meet state and local requirements for both pool and open-water environments.

Job-Ready Skills

Includes CPR, AED, First Aid, and advanced rescue techniques.

Flexible Classes

Schedule options designed for students, part-time workers, and seasonal hires.

Direct Path to Employment

We align our training with what New York lifeguard employers are looking for.

Lifeguard training in new york ny–certification and classes in New York

New York State Approved Lifeguard Training

Our New York programs are fully compliant with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) Bureau of Community Environmental Health and Food Protection requirements. We provide specialized Lifeguard Training and Certification in New York that prepares you for high-demand positions at Nassau County beaches, NYC municipal pools, and summer camps throughout Upstate NY.

Our Nassau County Lifeguard Exam Preparation ensures our students are ready for the rigorous local testing standards required for public beach patrols.

If you’re looking to become certified and start working as a professional lifeguard, enrolling in a comprehensive Lifeguard Training Class in Nassau County is the first step toward gaining the skills and credentials employers require. For those comparing options and evaluating program quality, curriculum structure, and recognition, this detailed guide to the Top 5 Lifeguard Courses on Long Island provides valuable insight into the most reputable and widely accepted certifications available in the region.

New York-Specific Hiring & Career Pathways

Our students have gone on to secure lifeguard jobs at:

State Parks & Beaches

Including New York State Parks and waterfront recreation areas along the Hudson River and Long Island beaches.

YMCA of New York

Multiple branches hiring certified lifeguards.

Private Pools & Clubs

Such as country clubs, community centers, and apartment complexes statewide.

Swim Schools & Camps

Year-round opportunities in youth aquatics.

Aiming for beach patrol or a steady pool role? Our course prepares you for both, and our pages on New York pool safety laws and test prep give you an edge during interviews and on day one.

New York Lifeguard Course Requirements

To enroll in lifeguard certification classes in New York, participants must meet these requirements:

What You’ll Learn in Lifeguard Training in New York

Our New York lifeguard certification course teaches the rescue, prevention, and emergency skills you need to work confidently as a professional lifeguard.

Rescue Techniques You’ll Master

Head, Neck & Spinal Management

Final Skill Scenarios
Every candidate in our New York lifeguard classes must successfully complete:

After You’re Certified as a Lifeguard in New York: Next Steps

After earning your lifeguard certification in New York, it’s time to turn your training into a career. Start by confirming your certification is valid and current, most credentials through American Aquatics and Safety Training (AAST) are recognized by the New York State Department of Health for two years. Once verified, you can apply for lifeguard jobs in New York, including at Nassau County pools, Long Island beaches, summer camps, and private fitness clubs.

If you plan to work at county facilities, you’ll also need to pass the official Nassau County lifeguard exam, which evaluates swimming, rescue, and CPR & First Aid skills. Applying early (between February and May) improves your chances of securing a top summer job or a steady, year-round position at an indoor pool.

To maintain your credential, register for a lifeguard recertification class in New York before your certification expires, if it’s been more than 45 days, you’ll need to retake the full class. Many lifeguards advance their skills by completing additional courses such as Water Swimming Instructor (WSI), Lifeguard Instructor, or Pool Activity Leader training, a great option for those who supervise aquatic programs, camps, or community pools.

Staying physically fit, keeping CPR and First Aid skills sharp, and networking with aquatic organizations can help you qualify for leadership and management roles. Whether you’re guarding pools, teaching swim lessons, or leading aquatic programs, maintaining your New York lifeguard certification ensures you’re always ready to protect lives and advance in the aquatics industry.

Types of Lifeguard Certifications in New York

After earning your lifeguard certification in New York, advance your career with a Pool Activity Leader course. This program builds leadership, supervision, and program management skills, preparing you for higher-level roles at camps, schools, aquatic centers, and recreation facilities.

Already certified? Contact us today to schedule your lifeguard recertification in New York.

Where to Take Lifeguard Classes in New York

We also provide group lifeguard training in New York for camps, schools, and organizations.

Who Hires New York Lifeguards?

Certified lifeguards in New York earn $16–$20 per hour, with higher wages at waterfronts.
Schedule & Registration
Class Type Description
Weekend Weekend lifeguard classes in New York for fast certification
Evening Evening lifeguard training in New York for students & professionals
Private Private lifeguard courses in New York for schools, camps, or groups of 10+
Get Certified. Get Hired.
Preparation in summer is already late: employers in New York recruit months ahead. Completing your training in New York with us means arriving at the season with the certification already in hand.
Sign up today for a lifeguard training class to reserve your spot and begin your journey toward a rewarding lifeguarding career in New York.
FAQs – Lifeguard Certification in New York

Approximately 26.5 hours, typically completed in 3–4 days.

Tuition starts at $195, with group discounts available.

Yes, it’s accepted at pools, camps, and aquatic facilities throughout New York.

The minimum age to become a lifeguard in New York is 15 years old. Candidates must be at least 15 by the time they complete their lifeguard certification course from an approved provider such as American Aquatics and Safety Training (AAST). The same floor applies to the majority of pool and waterpark jobs statewide. However, positions at beaches, lakes, and other natural bodies of water require applicants to be at least 16, because federal child labor rules limit 15-year-olds to traditional swimming pools and water amusement parks. Starting at age 15 allows you to gain experience early, build leadership skills, and qualify for summer lifeguard jobs in New York before high school graduation.

If your lifeguard certification expires, you cannot legally work as a lifeguard until it is renewed. If it has been more than 45 days since your certification expired, you must take the full lifeguard training course again to regain certification.
However, if your certification expired within the past 45 days, you may qualify for a lifeguard recertification class, which is shorter and less expensive than the full course. It’s always best to renew before your certification expires to avoid gaps in employment or additional training costs.

Lifeguard certifications in New York are typically valid for two years from the date of issue. After that period, you must complete a recertification course to maintain your active status. Employers such as pools, beaches, and camps require current certification for legal and safety compliance.

You can complete part of the recertification process online through American Aquatics and Safety Training. The online portion includes review materials, updated rescue techniques, and CPR/AED refreshers.
However, all lifeguard certification classes must include an in-person session with a certified instructor. During this in-person component, you’ll demonstrate your rescue, CPR, and First Aid skills before your certification can be renewed.

You can register for lifeguard recertification classes through American Aquatics and Safety Training. Classes are offered across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City, with flexible schedules and discounted rates for returning students. Visit Lifeguard and Safety Training to view upcoming class dates and locations.

To become a certified lifeguard in New York, you must:

  • Be at least 15 years old

  • Pass a swim test demonstrating endurance and skill

  • Successfully complete a lifeguard training course that includes water rescues, CPR/AED, and First Aid

  • Pass all written and practical exams administered by an approved organization, such as American Aquatics and Safety Training

If you plan to work at a Nassau County or Suffolk County pool or beach, additional local exams may be required.

The minimum age to take a lifeguard certification class in New York is 15 years old by the final day of the course. Candidates should have strong swimming skills and be comfortable in deep water. Some programs offer junior lifeguard or swim instructor prep classes for younger participants who want to gain early experience.

Conclusion
Start Lifeguard Training in New York Today
For the next stage of an aquatic career, American Aquatics and Safety Training runs New York classes built to provide the skills, confidence and certification that matter.
American Aquatics and Safety Training delivers certification in New York with expert teaching, hands-on practice and credentials, approved in almost every state in the US and CMAHC approved, that open doors.
Whether you’re preparing for a summer job, a career in aquatics, or simply want to gain lifesaving skills, our lifeguard classes in New York provide the training and confidence you need to succeed.
Take a lifeguard class in New York today.
Why take lifeguard classes in new york with us in New York
Locations for Lifeguard classes in New York

When does New York pool staffing law require a lifeguard?

Whether a pool in New York has to have a lifeguard on duty is decided by the state, not by the training provider. The rules are set by New York State Department of Health under State Sanitary Code, Subpart 6-1 (Swimming Pools). These are the provisions that decide it most often:

Employers are the ones held to these rules, so a facility manager staffing a season in New York should read them alongside the certification requirements rather than assume the two are the same thing.

Source: New York State Department of Health. Rules change, and some counties and cities add their own on top, confirm the current text with the agency before relying on it.

Where do lifeguards work in New York?

Public mapping records 610 named aquatic facilities across 52 counties in New York: 281 beaches and open-water sites, 248 public pools and swim clubs, 42 community and club pools, 17 water parks and 22 other venues. Open water dominates that list: beaches and waterfront sites outnumber pools and aquatic centers among the recorded venues in New York. Waterfront postings normally require a minimum age of 16.

Named facilities in New York

Counties in New York with the most aquatic facilities

Lifeguard class in New York: local questions

How do I get lifeguard certified in New York?

Register for the blended certification course, complete the online modules, then attend the in-person session covering the swim test, water rescue skills, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid. The course starts at $195.00 and the certification is valid for 2 years.

Which parts of New York is training available in?

Certification is open to candidates in all 62 counties in New York. The counties with the most recorded aquatic facilities are Suffolk County, Nassau County and Westchester County.

Is lifeguard work in New York mostly pools or open water?

Mostly open water. Beaches and waterfront sites outnumber pools among the recorded venues in New York. Waterfront postings usually set the minimum age at 16. That reading comes from the 610 aquatic venues recorded across 52 counties in New York.

What are the swim prerequisites?

A 300-yard continuous swim, 2 minutes treading water using legs only, and a timed retrieval of a 10-pound brick from 7 to 10 feet of water. These are tested at the start of the in-person session.

Is the certification recognized outside New York?

Yes. The certification is approved in almost every state in the US and CMAHC approved, so it remains valid if you take a lifeguard position in another state. Individual employers may still require an orientation or a site-specific skills check.

Facility data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

What students say

4.8 out of 5 ★★★★½ from 336 verified students who completed a course with us.

What should I know about lifeguard certification in New York?

  1. You must be 15 by the last day of class. The relevant date is the final day of the course, so a birthday during it still counts. Note that employers set their own floors, often 16 for pools and higher for beach work.
  2. The swim test comes before the course, not after. You must swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes without using your arms, and retrieve a 10-pound object from 7 to 10 feet. This is the step candidates actually fail. The course builds rescue skill on top of swimming ability you already have.
  3. It is three certifications in one. Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer covering adult, child and infant, and First Aid. Aquatic employers usually ask for all three, which is why they are taught and assessed together rather than sold separately.
  4. It takes 26.5 hours in total, split between online study and in-person days. About 7.5 hours of online coursework at your own pace, then two days in person for water rescue, spinal management and the skills assessment. The in-person part cannot be done remotely.
  5. Certification starts at $195 and covers everything. The online modules, the in-person skills assessment and the certificate itself. Group discounts are available for schools, camps and employers booking several places.
  6. The certificate lasts two years and is verifiable. Every certificate is issued with an ID and a QR code for online verification, so employers need not contact us. Renewal is a shorter course, about 10 hours in person, when your certification has not been expired for long.
  7. Where you can work in New York. Municipal and community pools, waterparks, school and college aquatic centers, summer camps, hotel and resort pools, and waterfront patrols. Demand is highest ahead of the summer season.

Reviewed by Jackie Stern, Lifeguard Instructor, Firefighter and EMT. Jackie Stern has taught lifeguarding for more than 20 years and works as a firefighter, EMT and swim instructor. She reviews course content, prerequisites and rescue standards against current certification requirements.

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