Buffalo, New York – Mayor Byron W. Brown and the City of Buffalo, in partnership with the Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL), will offer multiple sessions of free and paid Red Cross Certified Lifeguard Training for City of Buffalo Youth ages 16-21 who are interested in becoming lifeguards. Each session will be held at the Cazenovia Pool, located on Abbott Road across from Mercy Hospital. Those who successfully attain certification can apply to become lifeguards at the City’s two indoor pools, as well as apply for summer 2023 positions at the City’s nine outdoor pools. Pay is $20 an hour.
Kicking off Buffalo’s latest recruitment drive, Mayor Brown encouraged Buffalo youth ages 16 to 21 to apply, stating, “We need our young people to step up in a big way after a lifeguard shortage last summer kept us from opening our City pools. Our current team of lifeguards come from all walks of life but have one thing in common, a love for our city and a love for our children who deserve a safe and fun summer. I ask our youth to consider this great opportunity and join Buffalo’s awesome team of lifeguards. The position pays well and will help further improve the quality of life in neighborhoods citywide.”
Last summer, the City’s nine outdoor pools were closed due to a lifeguard shortage which impacted cities, towns, and private swimming facilities across New York State and throughout the United States. City of Buffalo youth who are interested in receiving the FREE and PAID Red Cross Certified Lifeguard training must register for one of the upcoming sessions, with the first one running from Monday, December 26th – Friday, December 30th. Below is a complete list of lifeguard certification sessions.
December Certification
Monday -Friday 12/26-12/30 8:30am-5pm
January Certification
Saturdays & Sundays
1/14, 1/15, 1/21, 1/22, 1/28 8:30am-5pm
February Certification
Monday - Friday 2/20-2/24 8:30am-5pm
March Certification
Saturdays & Sundays 3/4, 3/5, 3/11, 3/12, 3/18 8:30am-5pm
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Youth who CAN already swim with proficiency
- Youth ages 16-21
- Preference given to youth who reside in the City of Buffalo and attend a Buffalo Public School
- Pre-registration for this course is required. Non-residents are welcome to register for a certification course for $300.
Free Swim Strengthening Course
Not a strong swimmer? Youth that need to develop their swimming technique may register for a free Swim Strengthening Course in order to prepare for upcoming Certification Sessions.
Classes will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday in January at the Cazenovia Pool.
To register for an upcoming Red Cross Certified Lifeguard training session, go to https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/PALLifeguardCertification22-23
If you are already a certified or current City lifeguard, please visit the City’s Jobs Page: https://www.buffalony. gov/jobs.aspx
The City is also seeking Red Cross-Certified Lifeguard Trainers to work with PAL on its free Lifeguard Training Courses to grow its lifeguard ranks. Please contact PAL if you are certified and interested in training future lifeguards by calling (716) 851-4615.