NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — It’s been a struggle finding enough staff at beaches and pools in Connecticut. The pandemic was primarily to blame for a shortage of certified lifeguards.
The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), is recruiting lifeguards at state parks across Connecticut.
They are offering a variety of positions and a potential career working in the outdoors.
DEEP’s deputy commissioner said she believes they are recruiting earlier than ever.
“We have positions in every division in the Environmental Conservation branch. That’s boating, wildlife, forestry, fishing, parks and our Environmental Conservation Police,” said Mason Trumble, Deputy Commissioner of DEEP.
“The good thing about coming to DEEP for a seasonal position is it gives you a flavor for what it’s like to work at the Department. And, many of our full-time staff started as seasonal employees.”
He said DEEP hires more than 600 positions yearly to support the operations.
Pay for the position is $19-$21 an hour, and paid training is included.
DEEP will provide all training required to work as a lifeguard at the state park beaches.
The start date would be May 29, and it will go until Sept. 4.
Lifeguards would work 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. shifts, five days a week, with most weekends and July 4 being mandatory.
Opportunities are available at the following State Parks:
- Black Rock State Park, Watertown
- Burr Pond State Park, Torrington
- Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
- Indian Well State Park, Shelton
- Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
- Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
- Silver Sands State Park, Milford
- Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield
Applicants should be at least 16 years old, be fluent in English, be able to pass training prerequisite skills and state-issued certifications and provide copies of any relevant certifications, such as CPR, first-aid, or EMT.
The application for a lifeguard position can be found here.
