Lifeguards still needed at state parks

Connecticut officials are making their last push for applicants interested in working as lifeguards this summer at the state’s parks and beaches.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection effort comes amid a national shortage of trained lifeguards that has affected staffing at state beaches over the last year.

“Lifeguards provide an incredibly important service to those who visit state parks,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in a statement Friday.

“DEEP has worked hard to provide a salary that is more reflective of the service lifeguards provide to our state. We encourage anyone out there who’s still looking for a great summer job to apply right now for a chance to join our amazing team.”

The deadline to apply is Monday. Earlier this spring, the agency announced it would increase starting pay for lifeguards to $19 an hour, up from $16. The pay range is $19 to $21 an hour, according to DEEP.

Will Healey, a spokesperson for DEEP, said the pay increase “did generate a really good bump in applications.”

“But we still have positions available, so we encourage anyone interested to get their [application] in ASAP before the deadline Monday,” he said Friday.

The agency said several state swimming areas have openings for lifeguards, including Sherwood Island State Park in Westport and Silver Sands State Park in Milford.

Positions are also available for inland swimming areas at Black Rock State Park in Watertown, Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, Indian Well State Park in Shelton, and Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield.

Besides the wage increase, the job also comes with paid training required to work as a lifeguard. A swim test for applicants will be held on Tuesday, but applicants have to apply by Monday.

To apply, visit DEEP’s website. at portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Seasonal-Employment/LifeguardProgram