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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04/14/2023

Lt. Governor and DEEP Officials Highlight Lifeguard Opportunities in State Parks Ahead of the 2023 Summer Parks Season

Opportunities Available at Both Inland and Shoreline Beaches; Open Tryout April 15

(HARTFORD, CT) – Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz joined Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) officials at Milford’s Silver Sands State Park today to tout the amazing lifeguard opportunities available at the State’s shoreline and inland swimming areas this summer.

 

With Long Island Sound as a backdrop, the officials, including DEEP lifeguard supervisors from Hammonasset Beach State Park and Black Rock State Park, highlighted openings for lifeguards at eight locations - inland and shoreline parks and beaches - across the state. With starting pay for lifeguards increased this year to $20/hour, and “offices” in some of the prettiest areas of the state, the hiring effort is ongoing as the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day, is now less than two months away. DEEP is holding an open tryout tomorrow, April 15, at Southern Connecticut State University.

“With the many amazing opportunities for getting outside in Connecticut, and more people getting in the water at our inland and shoreline beaches, the team of DEEP lifeguards are so critical to the safety and enjoyment of these treasured recreational resources,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz. “Joining this team teaches valuable life skills like teamwork and leadership, while developing friendships working outdoors in some of our most beautiful places.”

“Lifeguards provide an incredibly important service to those who visit our State Parks, particularly as more visitors take advantage of our amazing park system,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “DEEP has worked hard to provide a salary that reflects this vital role, and attracts candidates interested in this challenging and fun work. We encourage anyone out there who’s still looking for a great opportunity this summer to apply now for a chance to join our amazing team.” 

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. Positions are available at several state designated swimming areas. In addition to shoreline parks, there are many positions available in beautiful inland parks.

Some of the places that could be someone’s new office include:

  • Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield: 12 open positions (beautiful inland park in a "mountain-like" setting, as steep, wooded slopes disappear into the cool, blue pond below)
  • Indian Well State Park, Shelton: 4 open positions (only swimming area located on a moving river, Indian Well is a retreat for families in the surrounding suburban area)
  • Burr Pond State Park, Torrington: 6 open positions (gorgeous inland beach in an 85-acre, man-made body of water with facilities for swimming, boating, and fishing)

Additionally, there are positions available at the following locations:

  • Silver Sands State Park, Milford: 4 open positions
  • Sherwood Island State Park, Westport: 3 open positions
  • Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme: 9 open positions
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison: 7 open positions
  • Black Rock State Park, Watertown: 3 open positions

Being a State Park lifeguard is a great step for individuals who are interested in a career in public service, protective services, and the medical field. This job provides a dynamic work environment, and chances to use practical skills in real world situations. The basic duties of a lifeguard are to maintain a safe swimming environment at the beaches, respond to emergencies, and perform other related duties. Lifeguards must be 16 to apply and strong swimmers.

DEEP is holding an open tryout tomorrow, April 15 at 11 a.m. at SCSU. Please sign up on our Instagram account, @CTStateParkLifeguards

The deadline to apply to be a lifeguard is May 11; to apply, go here: Lifeguard Program (ct.gov).

For more information, email DEEP.Lifeguards@ct.gov. Questions? Call/text us at (860) 967-7105.

If you’re not interested in being a lifeguard, but still want to work in the outdoors, DEEP has other seasonal opportunities working in the State Parks, including the following:

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

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