Legislation (S.6467-A/A.5821A) states that child rescue lifeguards must be at least 15 years old if they are under direct supervision.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she signed important legislation to address the minimum age for lifeguards in child rescue. Legislation (S.6467-A/A.5821A) will require lifeguards at children’s camps to be at least 17 years old, but 50% of the required number of lifeguards on duty may be at least 15 years old if they are under the supervision of the camp aquatics director Down. Lifeguards required for wild swimming must be at least 18 years old.
“New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to safely enjoy world-class beaches and campgrounds across the state,” Governor Hocher said. “This legislation will help address the lifeguard shortage while ensuring our children and fellow New Yorkers are supervised and safe in the waters this summer.”
To address the shortage of lifeguards in New York State, legislation (S.6467-A/A.5821A) allows for an expansion of the number of lifeguards who can serve as nighttime, summer, and children’s travel camps.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Parents in New York should rest assured that their children are safe and well supervised while attending summer camp, especially when they are swimming and participating in water activities. Lifeguards in New York are well trained and equipped to deal with and Saving Lives “In the event of an emergency, this legislation will keep camp swimmers safe while creating opportunities for more young people interested in becoming lifeguards. ”
New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “Lifeguards are critical to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience at all swimming facilities in New York. I applaud Governor Hochul and the State Legislature for approving this measure to expand the number of lifeguards across the state. As a former Harriman State Park lifeguard, I encourage young of New Yorkers work as lifeguards as a way to earn money, gain valuable job experience, and serve the public.”
State Senator James Skoufis said, “New York is facing a severe lifeguard shortage, including at our summer camps. Our bill to lower the minimum age for lifeguards at summer camps from 16 to 15 will help us expand the number of qualified water safety professionals and help more Teens get meaningful summer jobs and campers in New York go swimming happily. I applaud the Governor for signing this important measure.”
Assemblyman Charles D. Lavine said, “Amid the continuing shortage of lifeguard applicants, this new law I am sponsoring in Congress will help keep children safe at summer camps in New York State. Any concerns people have about lowering the age can be allayed by requiring: these Lifeguards still have to pass all the same requirements and get the same certification as older lifeguards.”
