Aquatic Certifications for NYS Bathing Facilities

Fact Sheet - March 2008

When the State Sanitary Code (SSC) requires "lifeguard supervision" or a "qualified lifeguard" at a bathing facility, an approved lifeguard certification SPECIFIC to the type of bathing facility is required.

Note:

  • All lifeguards are required to possess American Red Cross (ARC) Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or a CPR equivalent noted on the CPR fact sheet unless otherwise indicated. All cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificates must be renewed within 1 year of completion of the course, regardless of the expiration date noted on the card.
  • Children's camp lifeguards must be at least 17 years of age, except;
    • a maximum of 20% of the required lifeguards on duty may be 16 years of age;
    • lifeguards for wilderness swimming must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Lifeguard certifications shall be valid for the time period specified by the certifying agency, but may not exceed a consecutive three-year period from course completion.
  • Supervising lifeguards must possess at least Supervision Level IIB certification, be at least 18 years old, and have at least 2 seasons of lifeguarding experience.
  • Shallow water certifications are acceptable for Supervision Level IIa at pools with water depths of four feet or less.
STANDARD
New York State Sanitary Code
  • Subpart 6-1, Section 6-1.31, Swimming Pools
  • Subpart 6-2, Section 6-2.20, Bathing Beaches
  • Subpart 7-2, Section 7-2.5(g), Children's Camps
ACCEPTED COURSES
  Supervision Level
Marked boxes indicate acceptability
Provider Certification Title Level I
Surf		 Level II B
Pool & Beach		 Level II A
Pool Only
American Lifeguard Assoc., Inc. Basic Lifeguarding     X
Lifeguard Training   X X
American Red Cross (ARC)

A certification in the old arc curriculum remains valid until expiration. the "waterfront lifeguard" module certificate is valid through 6/30/2010 .

* To Qualify for Level 11B, A Candidate must be co-certified in an ARC course accepted for level llA and the ARC "Waterfront Lifeguard" Module or be certified in the new "Waterfront Lifeguarding" Curriculum.

 Lifeguard Training     X
Waterfront Lifeguard* (Requires 2 certificates)   X X
Lifeguarding (New 2007)     X
Waterpark Lifeguarding (New 2007)     X
Waterfront Lifeguarding * (New 2007) (Requires 1 certificate only)   X X
Boys Scouts of America (BSA)

All certifications are valid for 3 years from date of issue and card holder must be at least 15 years of age (17 years of age for children's camps).

 Lifeguard, BSA   X X
Aquatics Instructor, BSA   X X
Breezy Point Cooperative, Inc. Breezy Point Surf Lifeguard X    
Cattaraugus County EMS Cattaraugus County EMS Lifeguard Training Program   X X
Hamptons Consortium Hamptons Consortium Surf Lifeguard X X X
Ellis and Associates International Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard Training

Separate certificate for CPR is NOT required.

 Pool Lifeguard Training     X
Special Facilities Lifeguard Training     X
Incorporated Village of Saltaire Ocean Lifeguard Certificate X    
Bay Front Lifeguard Certificate   X  
Lindenhurst School District Lindenhurst School District Surf Lifeguard X X X
Nassau Co. Department of Health "Day Camp Only"     X
Grade 1A     X
Grade 1B     X
Grade II   X X
Grade III X X X
New York City Department of Parks Municipal Lifeguard X X X
Municipal Lifeguard "pool only"     X
Royal Life Saving Society, Canada

All certifications are valid for 2 years from date of issuance.

 National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Pool     X
National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Waterfront   X  
National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Surf X    
National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Waterpark     X
Suffolk County Department of Parks Ocean Lifeguard Training X    
Stillwater Lifeguard Training Course   X  
Town of Babylon Ocean Lifeguard X X X
Stillwater Lifeguard Training Course   X X
Town of Brookhaven Ocean Theory Course X X X
Town of East Hampton Surf Lifeguard X X X
Pool and Beach Lifeguard   X X
Town of Islip Surf Lifeguard X X X
Pool and Beach Lifeguard   X X
Town of Southampton Ocean Lifeguard X X X
Stillwater Lifeguard   X X
Village of Ocean Beach Ocean Beach Atlantic Ocean Lifeguard Course X X X
YMCA YMCA Lifeguard   X X
Lifeguard   X X
SHALLOW WATER CERTIFICATION
Valid for pools with water depths of 4 feet or less.
Provider Certification Title
American Red Cross (ARC) Shallow Water Attendant (New 2007)
Ellis and Associates International Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard Training

Separate certificate for CPR is NOT required.

 Shallow Water Lifeguard