MA Lifeguards Have One More Chance For State Pay Bonus

MASSACHUSETTS — While the deadline for the largest bonuses has already passed, lifeguard candidates can still get a bonus if they sign up by July 1. Lifeguard candidates that completed the application by May 1 qualified for a $500 signing bonus.

Those that sign up by July 1 will be eligible for a $250 bonus. Candidates who stay on the job through Aug. 20 get another $500 — plus $250 more for guards who stay through Labor Day weekend. In total, a lifeguard who signs up before July 1 could receive $1,000 in bonuses.

This marks an increase over last summer. State recreation officials are offering the incentives to avoid a potential lifeguard shortage during the swimming months.

The state has also increased hourly pay. Last summer, lifeguard pay started at $21 per hour. This year, the pay will range from $22 to $23 per hour for lifeguards, and $26 to $27 for lifeguard supervisors.

Lifeguard shortages in recent summers meant that many popular state swimming sites either went unguarded or didn't get full staffing until later in the summer. The Department of Conservation and Recreation operates dozens of beaches from the Atlantic coast to pools and freshwater beaches across central and western Massachusetts.

On top of bonuses and higher hourly pay, the state provides free lifeguard training classes valued at $400. Any resident over age 16 who can meet the certification requirements can apply for a lifeguarding job now.