CT Ups Pay For Summer Lifeguards

Those looking for a summer job that saves lives — and pays — might want to look into becoming a lifeguard, a position in short supply as some beaches in the state were closed over the recent holiday weekend.

Now, the State of Connecticut is willing to pay.

Thursday, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced starting pay for lifeguards has increased to $19 per hour, up from $16, with a salary range of $19 to$21 an hour.

“Lifeguards provide an incredibly important service to those who visit State Parks,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “DEEP has worked hard to provide a salary that is more reflective of the service lifeguards provide to our state. We encourage anyone out there who’s still looking for a great summer job to apply right now for a chance to join our amazing team.”

Lifeguard positions are still available at several inland and shoreline swimming areas, including: Black Rock State Park, Watertown; Burr Pond State Park, Torrington ; Indian Well State Park, Shelton ; Sherwood Island State Park, Westport ; Silver Sands State Park, Milford; and Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield.

In addition to the increased starting salary, DEEP Is providing all training required to work as a lifeguard at the state park beaches and training time is paid.

As a result, DEEP will be holding a pre-requisite swim test for applicants June 11 and June 12. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the test on June 11.

The basic duties of a lifeguard are: to monitor activities in swimming areas preventing accidents and providing assistance to swimmers at State Park beaches; to caution swimmers regarding unsafe areas; to maintain order in swimming areas; to rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and administer first aid and/or CPR as required; to participate in physical and rescue skills training; to perform general maintenance tasks and other related duties as required, according to DEEP.

Lifeguards must be strong swimmers.

The hours of work are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., five days per week, for a total of 40 hours.

Most weekends and the July 4 holiday are mandatory with a minimum age of 16 for lifeguards, 18 for lifeguard supervisors.

The final deadline to apply is June 17. To apply, visit "Lifeguard Program" at ct.gov. For more information, contact Sarah Battistini at sarah.battistini@ct.gov or call 860-418-5958.

For more information, visit the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's website at this link.