After a staggeringly low lifeguard count (930) in New York City this past summer, NYC Parks decided to hold citywide lifeguard qualifying tests. The first happened Sunday in Bayside, Brooklyn.

"We want to encourage that next generation of lifeguards," says Park Commissioner Sue Donoghue. "It's a great job but it's also one that is so important to the health, the livability, the enjoyment of people's summers."

According to NYC Parks, any swimmer over the age of 16 can participate in the exams at select indoor pools. They can do so until March 2025. Candidates will need to pass both a vision and 50-yard swimming test before being considered to join the lifeguard training program in the spring.

"[Candidates are] going to get CPR skills, all the requisite skills you need in order to do this job," says Donoghue.

To entice potential candidates, NYC Parks is offering those who become a lifeguard a $22 salary increase, as well as a $1,000 retention bonus for returning lifeguards. Those needing more practice can also partake in NYC Parks' free swim prep program, where they can get personalized training to improve speed, endurance and stroke technique on their journey to lifeguard certification.

The next lifeguard qualifying tests will be held Sunday at Bayside's Fort Hamiliton High School from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/life-guard-test/16499