HARTFORD, Conn. — Months before the summer begins, the search for lifeguards has already started. With eight state parks to be staffed, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is finding it difficult to get applicants.
"We're facing a number of challenges. A lot of different entities are also looking for lifeguards," said Sarah Battistini, water safety coordinator, for the DEEP's state parks division.
The pandemic has played a role in the staffing shortage as well as things like paid internships that high school and college students seem to be choosing over positions like lifeguarding.
To help recruit people, the state has added some incentives including higher pay and paid training.
"One of the hurdles was to come in with a Red Cross training, a Red Cross certificate. So we've gone ahead and we're providing all of the training you need to lifeguard at our parks. Not only is it free, but we're gonna pay people to take further time taking the training," Battistini said.
From the shoreline to the city, officials are doing what they can to encourage applicants.
"If you're interested in becoming certified as a lifeguard and are not yet certified, we will run that program for you. We will get you certified. We'll pay the cost," said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.
Hartford has several pools that are in need of more lifeguards. The job is described as rewarding, and a great opportunity for young people to get started on their careers.
"It's one of those experiences where you can actually take your skills, life skills here and bring them to anywhere and anything that you want to do," said Jose Negron, a Hartford lifeguard.
The public is encouraged to spread the word too, with the hope of making it safer for everyone to swim this summer.
"Lifeguards provide a layer of protection to our swimmers in our designated swimming areas. Lifeguards can help you out if you get into trouble. They will warn you ahead of time of behaviors or areas where it can be potentially dangerous," Battistini said.
DEEP is looking for lifeguards for the following eight Connecticut 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
The salary for DEEP lifeguards starts at $16 per hour. Lifeguards will be paid during training time.
Hours to work will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., five days a week. Working most weekends and the Fourth of July weekend will be mandatory.
The deadline to apply to be a DEEP lifeguard is June 17. Click here to apply.
More information on the DEEP's lifeguard program can be found here.
Gaby Molina is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. She can be reached at gmolina@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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