MA Giving Pay Boost To Lifeguards For Summer 2022

WORCESTER, MA — After last summer's lifeguard shortage, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation is offering pay boosts ahead of summer 2022 to ensure no beaches go unguarded.

Summer lifeguards who commit to the job by March 27 will get a $500 bonus. But any lifeguard who works through the end of the season will be eligible for another $500 bonus. The state is also boosting hourly pay rates from $17 to between $21 and $26, depending on the position.

The 2021 lifeguard shortage meant that many popular state swimming sites — including Lake Cochituate, Ashland State Park and one beach at Hopkinton State Park — went unguarded. Cities and towns across the state were also left scrambling to fill lifeguard jobs.

DCR operates dozens of beaches from the Atlantic coast to pools and freshwater beaches across central Massachusetts.

To land a state lifeguard job, applicants must be 16 years old by May 15, and must complete a lifeguard training course, a CPR certification and a first aid certification. Those certifications are free to anyone who commits to work as a lifeguard for the entire season.

To apply and sign up for lifeguard class, visit the DCR lifeguarding webpage.