Parks Department

Looking Deep Into the Future to Solve Lifeguard Shortage

July 21, 2022, 6:43 p.m.July 21, 2022, 7:30 p.m.

More public school swim lessons, flexible hours, and adopting “shallow water” rules are all possible streams to more robust beach and pool seasons in the years to come.

Climate Change

Maybe Shark: Cleaner, Warmer Waters Bringing More Marine Life to NY Shores

July 21, 2022, 8:47 a.m.Oct. 12, 2023, 8:02 a.m.

It’s good news-bad news as sharks, dolphins, whales and turtles swarm New York City.

Parks

City Makes Swim Test Easier to Mind Mini Pools

July 8, 2022, 2:14 p.m.July 23, 2022, 5:41 p.m.

In the face of a dire lifeguard shortage, the parks department has gotten approval to truncate the exam required to patrol the city’s smaller watering holes.

Parks Department

City Boosts Starting Pay to Fix Dire Lifeguard Shortage

July 6, 2022, 9:40 a.m.July 23, 2022, 5:41 p.m.

But the change is only for this summer as the Parks Department races to get from 778 lifeguards to its goal of at least 1,400.

Parks Department

Mayor Eric Adams to Allow First Responders to Moonlight as Lifeguards

July 1, 2022, 4:05 p.m.July 23, 2022, 5:42 p.m.

The move comes just days before July 4, and after THE CITY reported on the unprecedented denial of dual-employment waivers.

Parks

Failed Swimmers Get Second Chance in City Bid to Shore Up Lifeguard Shortage

June 30, 2022, 8:09 p.m.July 23, 2022, 5:42 p.m.

Dozens of applicants who’d previously failed the qualifying tests were sent automated text messages this week from the Parks Department gauging their interest in taking a new accelerated class to become lifeguards.

Unions

Adams Floats Possibility of Changing Lifeguard Policies to Boost Staffing Numbers

June 21, 2022, 9:07 p.m.July 23, 2022, 5:42 p.m.

Mayor’s look at rule changes comes after THE CITY highlighted a newly enforced rule that prevents municipal workers from moonlighting — and two drownings on Rockaway Beach.

Parks Department

NYC First Responders Are Ready to Work as Lifeguards, but City Hall Is Enforcing a 30-Year Old Rule That Won’t Let Them

June 17, 2022, 5:33 p.m.July 23, 2022, 5:43 p.m.

The Parks Department is facing a dire shortage of lifeguards for the city’s dozens of pools and beaches with just 480 certified guards.

Budget

Adams & Adams Shake on City Budget With Small Gains for Parks, Trash

June 10, 2022, 8:04 p.m.June 10, 2022, 8:14 p.m.

The new budget also significantly increases New York City’s “rainy day fund,” but will not be official (or detailed) until the Council’s vote next week.

Pools and Beaches

Lifeguards Wave Off Safety Recommendations From City Investigators

May 24, 2022, 7:33 p.m.July 23, 2022, 5:44 p.m.

Five months after the city Department of Investigation suggested 13 ways to clean up the Parks Department’s Lifeguard Division, none of them have been fully acted upon as beach season is upon us.

Parks Department

Looking Deep Into the Future to Solve Lifeguard Shortage

Maybe Shark: Cleaner, Warmer Waters Bringing More Marine Life to NY Shores

City Makes Swim Test Easier to Mind Mini Pools

City Boosts Starting Pay to Fix Dire Lifeguard Shortage

Mayor Eric Adams to Allow First Responders to Moonlight as Lifeguards

Failed Swimmers Get Second Chance in City Bid to Shore Up Lifeguard Shortage

Adams Floats Possibility of Changing Lifeguard Policies to Boost Staffing Numbers

NYC First Responders Are Ready to Work as Lifeguards, but City Hall Is Enforcing a 30-Year Old Rule That Won’t Let Them

Adams & Adams Shake on City Budget With Small Gains for Parks, Trash

Lifeguards Wave Off Safety Recommendations From City Investigators

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