NYC Parks Lifeguard Vision Requirements

In order to be eligible to become an NYC Parks Lifeguard, participants must have at least 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other - without corrective lenses.

There are two ways to meet the agency's vision requirements.

Onsite Vision Exam

When you sign up for the Lifeguard Qualifying Test, you can take a vision exam when you arrive onsite. Glasses and contact lenses may not be worn during the eye exam.

Letter from an Eye Doctor

Instead of taking a vision exam onsite, we will accept a letter from your eye doctor that affirms that you meet the vision requirements. You can bring the letter with you when you sign up for the Lifeguard Qualifying Test. The letter must be dated within 30 days of taking the qualifying test.

If you are bringing a letter from your eye doctor, please make sure the letter follows the following format as closely as possible:


Click to Expand

Optometrist Optical (example)

New York, NY

To whom it may concern,

Potential Lifeguard [YOUR NAME HERE] was seen at our office on 12/01/2024 for a full comprehensive eye examination. Potential Lifeguard’s eye examination finds that his entrance visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20 and in his left eye is 20/20. The testing also included glaucoma and cataract screening.

Sincerely,

Professional Optometrist

Signature here.