Press Releases
03/14/2018
DEEP Announces Seasonal Lifeguard Positions Now Available
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that those seeking employment as seasonal lifeguards at one of the eight lifeguarded state park beaches can apply for those positions online beginning today.
“Protecting the safety of our park visitors is one of our top priorities at DEEP. With the anticipated increase in attendance at Connecticut State Parks as a result of the Passport to Parks program, the need this year for lifeguards is greater than ever,” said Sarah Battistini, DEEP Water Safety Coordinator. “The job of a lifeguard is not only exciting summer employment, but also teaches future marketable employment skills such as leadership and communication skills, as well as team building and improved self-confidence. The opportunity to work at some of Connecticut’s most beautiful locations is also a pretty good reason to be a lifeguard this summer.”
The basic duties of a lifeguard are: monitor activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents and provide assistance to swimmers at State Park beaches; caution swimmers regarding unsafe areas; maintain order in swimming areas; rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and administer first aid and/or CPR as required; participate in physical and rescue skills training; perform general maintenance tasks, perform related duties as required. Hours of work are 10 am to 6 pm, five days per week for a total of 40 hours. Weekends and holidays are mandatory.
Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Must be able to pass the American Red Cross waterfront module prerequisites.
- Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
Currently lifeguards cover eight of the state parks beaches:
- Black Rock State Park, Watertown
- Burr Pond State Park, Torrington
- Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
- Indian Well State Park, Shelton
- Rocky Neck State Park, Easy Lyme
- Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
- Silver Sands State Park, Milford
- Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield
Additional information and the link to the application for Lifeguards can be found at: Connecticut State Parks Lifeguard Program
These positions are funded through the Passport to Parks program, which was created by the bipartisan state budget adopted last year and is supported through a $10 fee applied by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to non-commercial vehicles that have new registrations, renewals, and plate transfers registered. These include passenger cars and vehicles with combination plates, as well as motorcycles, campers/motor homes, and vehicles with antique car plates.
Funds generated through this system will provide the Connecticut State Park system with greater financial support, allowing a number of services at the parks that had been previously reduced to be restored, such as the reopening of several closed campgrounds, increased staffing of state beaches during the summer, and the restoration of regular hours of operation at certain nature centers and museums.
About the Connecticut State Park Lifeguard Program
The Connecticut State Park Lifeguard Program was established in 1921 at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. Since then the program has evolved along with national lifesaving methods. Our lifeguard squads keep watch over thousands of swimmers each year.
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