Lifeguard Shortage to Impact Swimming Access at Brooklyn Beaches This Summer

Inspired by original reporting from Jada Camille

Brooklyn beaches officially welcomed summer visitors over Memorial Day weekend with their usual 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. hours. However, beachgoers should prepare for a reduced number of open swimming sections this season due to a severe shortage of lifeguards.

Staffing Determines Swimming Access

While operating hours remain unchanged, the NYC Parks Department has confirmed that only parts of the beaches will be open for swimming each day. These sections will be determined by the number of lifeguards available. Red flags and signage will mark areas closed to swimmers.

The shortage, officials say, stems from a combination of pandemic-related attrition and low new recruit turnout. Despite NYC Parks launching lifeguard recruitment efforts as early as September 2022, rebuilding their workforce has been difficult.

Nationwide Lifeguard Crisis Hits NYC

The Parks Department cited a nationwide lifeguard shortage and pandemic-related losses as critical factors. Even with improved incentives, including a raise in hourly wages to $21 for first- and second-year guards, interest in the job has been modest.

City Council Member Ari Kagan relayed that the Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Martin Maher confirmed the department currently has fewer lifeguards than at the same time last year. Exact numbers were not shared, but local outlet The City reported just 480 lifeguards are on stafffar below the 1,400 needed to cover New York Citys beaches and pools.

Training Efforts UnderwayBut Will It Be Enough?

To increase lifeguard numbers, the city has ramped up training programs. Lifeguard certification requires a 16-week course with 40 hours of practical training, CPR certification, and rigorous swim tests. NYC Parks typically starts recruiting in winter to prepare for the summer season, but this year, the shortage persists past July 4th.

Maher said more guards are in training or undergoing recertification, which could boost numbers mid-summer.

Community Advocates Call for Bigger Changes

Community Board 13 Chairperson Lucy Mujica Diaz voiced her concerns, calling the repeated shortage disturbing and urging the city to further increase lifeguard salaries. Its quite disturbing that this is the same response every year, she said. Our district needs to advocate more funding towards the employment of lifeguards they need to increase the salaries again.

The Parks Department maintains that the issue is not tied to funding, but a lack of applicants.

Safety Remains a Priority

Officials are urging New Yorkers to swim only in designated open areas and when lifeguards are present. Last year, lifeguard shortages contributed to public safety concerns, including the tragic drowning of an 84-year-old man in unguarded waters.

In response, NYC Parks plans to increase patrols and community outreach to reinforce the importance of swimming only where lifeguards are on duty.

Additional Context: Why the Shortage Matters

• Urban Access to Nature: For many New Yorkersespecially those in underserved communitiescity beaches are the only affordable access to nature and water recreation during hot summers.

• Climate and Heatwaves: With rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, access to safe swimming options is essential for public health.

• Job Opportunity Gap: Despite wage increases, lifeguard positions arent attracting enough candidates. Exploring alternative pipelines, such as partnerships with local schools and recreation centers, could help.

As the summer continues, the citys ability to adapt to these staffing challenges will shape not just recreational access, but also public safety outcomes for thousands of beachgoers.

Author Bio

Avani James is a writer and observer of New York Citys evolving public spaces, social policy, and community dynamics. He focuses on urban development, environmental justice, and how policy affects everyday lives.