Lifeguards as young as 15 can be employed at summer camps in New York under a measure approved Friday by Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

But the new law won't have much impact for current summer camps that are just getting underway: It is set to take effect in three months' time.

Currently, summer camp lifeguards must be at least 16 years old. 

The measure lowering the age of summer camp lifeguards is meant to address an acute lifeguard shortage in New York that has made for struggles at public pools and swimming areas around the state in recent years. 

Lawmakers pointed to the supervision still required for lifeguards under the age of 17 and the safety rules put in place for summer camp swimming. 

"These lifeguards would still have to pass all of the same requirements and obtain the same certifications as older lifeguards," lawmakers wrote in a bill memo. "The American Red Cross allows for certification of 15 year old lifeguards. Additionally, this bill places a limit on how many lifeguards under the age of 17 can be working at one time and requires supervision by a camp aquatics director."

There are also mandated lifeguard-to-summer ratios at summer camps. 

"Summer camp pools are more regulated and better staffed than municipal pools and provide an ideal place for a first lifeguard job," lawmakers wrote. "In addition to the lifeguards, the camp counselors are also supervising campers. Summer camps are controlled environments where the skills of each camper are carefully assessed, including the use of deep-water testing."