State parks raise pay for lifeguards to $19 an hour

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection still needs lifeguards at some state parks and they are willing to pay more than ever.

The agency, which has been struggling with a shortage of lifeguards since prior to the pandemic, announced Thursday that starting pay has been hiked to $19 an hour — up from $16 an hour — and that shifts are still available at six state parks including several in New Haven and Fairfield counties.

“Lifeguards provide an incredibly important service to those who visit state parks,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a news release announcing the increase. “DEEP has worked hard to provide a salary that is more reflective of the service lifeguards provide to our state.”

DEEP officials are encouraging anyone who is still looking for a summer job to apply in the next week or so. “It’s the most beautiful office you can have,” said agency spokesman Will Healey.

There are several areas that need lifeguards including Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield, Indian Well State Park in Shelton and Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, Healey said. “We are encouraging people living in those areas to apply,” Healey said.

The number of applications has been particularly low this season, which prompted the agency to make pay more competitive, he said. “It’s also a recognition of what an important job this is,” Healey said.

Prior to the pandemic, the agency was struggling to fully staff all state parks with lifeguards, Healey said. But as the pandemic set in, indoor pools were closed making it more difficult for people to be trained as lifeguards, he said. There’s also stiff competition for staff as municipalities are also looking for summer lifeguards, Healey said.

“We’re not close to a full compliment at this point,” Healey said. The focus for the next few weeks will be to get the word out that these are great jobs that look good on a college application, Healey said.

If enough people can’t be hired, some beaches at state parks will be open but without lifeguards, he said. Lifeguards are also needed at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, and Black Rock State Park in Watertown, DEEP officials said.

There will be a required swim test for all applicants on June 11 and 12. Although the deadline to apply is June 17, people are encouraged to submit their applications before the test on June 11.

Basic duties of a lifeguard include monitoring activities in swimming areas, preventing accidents and providing assistance to swimmers at state parks and beaches, according to the DEEP website. Lifeguards also caution swimmers in unsafe areas, maintain order in swimming areas and rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and perform CPR if required.

Applicants should be strong swimmers age 16 and over. Applicants for lifeguard supervisory positions must be 18 or older. The DEEP will provide all training. Interested people can apply online.