With warmer temperatures on the way, many New Yorkers will likely be thinking about going for a swim.

There are 70 state parks with designated swimming areas, and many municipalities have areas or pools, too.

What You Need To Know

  • The state has had lifeguard recruitment efforts underway

  • There were 1,100 lifeguard positions available at 70 state park beaches and pools
  • The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation expects their facilities to be fully staffed this summer

Whether swimming areas open comes down to a few factors — one being if they have enough lifeguards.

This year looks promising.

“In the past, we struggled," said Joe Morisette, Delta Lake State Park manager. "Sometimes we get our minimum number, which is usually 10 to 12 lifeguards. This year, we've gone above and beyond being able to get that. In about the last month, we've had quite a few people come forward looking for jobs."

The state has had lifeguard recruitment efforts underway.

There were 1,100 lifeguard positions available at 70 state park beaches and pools, with pay starting at $21.86 per hour depending the region and experience level, according to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website.

A spokesperson with the office said in-part, “State Parks is excited about the upcoming summer season for our pools and beaches. While several regions won’t start the swim season until mid-to-late June, the expectation is to have our facilities fully staffed to open in preparation for the July 4th holiday.”

“It's an added level of protection for yourself and your family to have someone there to kind of an extra set of eyes, a trained professional that can be there to watch out for them," Morisette said. "And not only that, but as just a simple injury, somebody gets hurt or injured with a fishhook or whatever. There's somebody there is a trained professional for first aid or CPR."

As for city pools like those in Syracuse, it’s an added layer of protection to have a lifeguard, and while recruiting can be a challenge, leaders say those who do it tend to enjoy it.

“Most of our lifeguards that worked for us, if they're still in the area, come back," said Syeisha Byrd, Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs commissioner. "We have students that go off to college that come in, return back to us. We have families that's started swimming lessons when they were little kids that are now our lifeguards."

As to be expected, officials said it is important to swim in designated areas for a variety of reasons ranging from currents to hidden dangers.