The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced that DEP’s Lifeguard Program now has a presence on the social networking site, Facebook. The shortcut to access the site is http://www.facebook.com/CTStateParkLifeguards. The DEP Lifeguard Program Facebook page features a variety of information on what a state lifeguard does, identifies the requirements for the job and spells out the application process.
Upcoming events, water safety tips, and ways to contact the DEP Lifeguard Program staff are among the items that can be found on the Facebook page.
“Being a lifeguard in a Connecticut State Park is one of the most rewarding and challenging summer jobs a young person can ever have,” said DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella. “Every day you have the opportunity to be outdoors, interact with the public, and promote swimming safety so our residents and guests can enjoy a day at the beach. Facebook will help us in our recruiting efforts so that we make our beaches as safe as possible during this upcoming summer.”
Facebook is a social network launched in 2004 that allows users to add friends, post personal information, and obtain information about groups and activities that interest them. Facebook is generally regarded as the most used social network worldwide. The DEP also has a Boating Division Facebook page which was launched in July 2010. The shortcut to access the Boating Division’s site is www.facebook.com/BoatingInConnecticut.
Connecticut State Parks generally have around 87 lifeguard positions during the height of the summer season. Lifeguards interact with the public to assist in the safe and orderly enjoyment of beach and swimming area activities.
Qualified applicants must possess the following current certificates: American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, which includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Basic First Aid. An EMT or MRT certificate may be substituted for the CPR and First Aid Requirements. Those applicants who possess American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding are preferred.
Lifeguards monitor activities in swimming areas: to prevent accidents and provide assistance to swimmers at State of Connecticut State Park Waterfronts; caution swimmers regarding known hazards; maintain order in swimming areas; rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and administer first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required; instruct patrons in water safety; participate in physical and rescue skills training; perform general maintenance tasks, including beach cleaning and related duties as may be required. Lifeguards represent not only the DEP, but also the State of Connecticut to several million state park visitors each season. Good public relations are a vital part of our work and guards are expected to be clean, neat and polite at all times. Dates of employment are offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The normal workweek is 40 hours including weekends and holidays. The salary range is $9.60 - $14.00 per hour depending upon years of experience and qualifications. Please see the DEP State Parks - Lifeguard Program webpage for more information: www.ct.gov/dep/lifeguards or contact Sarah Battistini, Water Safety Coordinator, at (860) 418-5958.
Lifeguard positions are available at the following state parks:
Black Rock State Park – Watertown
Burr Pond - Torrington
Hammonasset Beach State Park - Madison
Indian Well State Park – Shelton
Lake Waramaug – Kent
Mt Tom - Litchfield
Silver Sands State Park – Milford
Sherwood Island State Park – Westport
Squantz Pond State Park – New Fairfield
Wadsworth Falls State Park - Middletown
Wharton Brook State Park – Wallingford
Rocky Neck State Park – East Lyme
Additional information about being a lifeguard in Connecticut can be found on the DEP website at http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325314
