DEEP SEEKING SUMMER LIFEGUARDS

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is seeking lifeguards in advance of summer 2020.

According to a news release Wednesday, DEEP is recruiting lifeguards for the eight state park guarded 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

To increase the chances of finding lifeguards, DEEP is offering free American Red Cross Lifeguarding classes between Dec. 27 and 29 for those looking to be lifeguards.

“Participants must successfully complete prerequisites and attend all days of the class to complete the certification,” the release read. “The certification will be retained by DEEP, and can only be used for the purposes of employment as a lifeguard at Connecticut State Parks.”

DEEP also is offering a waterfront skills class for those without a certification. The training will take place at the UConn Avery Point pool in Groton. To sign up, contact Sarah Battistini at sarah. battistini@ct.gov or call (860) 418-5958.

Lifeguards are expected to prevent swimming accidents, assist swimmers, caution swimmers about safety concerns, keep order in swimming areas, rescue swimmers if necessary, administer CPR if necessary and perform general maintenance tasks. Lifeguard hours are five days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Holidays and weekends are compulsory. Lifeguards must be 16; lifeguard supervisors must be 18.

To apply for a position, visit jobapscloud.com/ct.