Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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06/02/2022

DEEP Announces Lifeguard Starting Pay Increased to $19/Hour

Positions Remain Available at Several State Swimming Areas, Applicants Should Apply ASAP – Final deadline to Apply June 17

(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is thrilled to announce that starting pay for lifeguards has increased to$19/hr., up from $16/hr., with a salary range of $19-$21/hr.


“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 
  • 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.DEEP will be holding a pre-requisite swim test for applicants next weekend, on June 11 & 12. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the test on June 11th.

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. Lifeguards must be strong swimmers. 

Hours of work are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 5 days per week, for a total of 40 hours. Most weekends and the July 4 holiday are mandatory. Minimum age of 16 for lifeguards, 18 for lifeguard supervisors. 

Why be a Lifeguard? You will learn invaluable life skills such as leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and communication, skills that are attractive on any college application or resume. You can develop friendships to last a lifetime, get fit, and your office will be outdoors, in some of the most beautiful locations in the state. 

The final deadline to apply is June 17. To apply, go here: Lifeguard Program (ct.gov) 

For more information, contact Sarah Battistini at sarah.battistini@ct.gov or call 860-418-5958.  

Staff are available for interviews! 
Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110