DEEP increases pay in effort to staff beaches
Starting salaries upped to $19 an hour amid lifeguard shortages
As Connecticut faces a statewide shortage of lifeguards, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced a pay increase for lifeguards on Thursday.
Starting salaries were increased to $19 an hour, up from $16, and range up to $21 per hour.
“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.”
In addition to the increased starting salary, DEEP said it will provide all training, and training time is paid. DEEP will be holding a swim test for applicants on June 11 and 12. Lifeguards must be strong swimmers.
DEEP is looking to fill positions at the following inland and shoreline swimming areas:
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
The basic duties of the job include cautioning swimmers regarding unsafe areas, preventing accidents and providing assistance to swimmers at state park beaches. Lifeguards will also be trained to administer first aid and CPR as required.
Work hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. five days a week for a total of 40 hours. Most weekends and the July 4 holiday are mandatory. Lifeguards must be at least 16 years old, and supervisors must be at least 18.
The final deadline to apply is June 17. To apply, go to portal. ct.gov/deep/state-parks/seasonal-employment/lifeguard-program. For more information, contact Sarah Battistini at sarah. battistini@ct.gov or call 860-4185958.