Swim at Your Own Risk: Connecticut’s Desperate Need for Lifeguards

Grab your zinc oxide and your sex wax because the Nutmeg State needs your service. Connecticut was in desperate need for more lifeguards last year and the story remains the same as we hurdle towards summer 2024.

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Waterford needs between 30-50 lifeguards, New London needs another 20 and those are just two of the many towns and cities trying to bulk up their staff. New London is one of the places willing to take on the cost of training, WTNH says:

It’s why the city is offering free training for prospective lifeguards. New London works closely with Waterford, which has a town pool and town beach, to provide the certification needed to be a lifeguard.

ABC 7 says:

Officials in Connecticut are issuing a water safety alert on Monday before the pool and beach season gets underway amid a major lifeguard shortage.

While Connecticut officials wait for able-bodied souls to answer the bell, they are taking steps to make swimmers safer. Connecticut has joined forces with pro-swimmers and Stew Leonard's to offer 40,000 free swimming lessons for children in underserved communities.

Just think about it, you may save someone's life. The more likely case is you'll make some friends, get a killer tan and scoop up some cash. The more I think about it, the more I want to do it.

How Do I Become a Connecticut Lifeguard?

Basic Qualifications:

• Be at least 16 years old and present proof of age.
• Be able to pass training prerequisite skills and state issued certifications.
• Be fluent in English.
• Provide copies of any relevant certifications (CPR, first aid, lifeguard, EMR/EMT) if possessed.
• Note: A pre-employment physical is required of all applicants.

Examples of Duties:

• Monitors activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents and provide assistance to swimmers at State of Connecticut beaches, pools, lakes, institutions and hospitals;
• Cautions swimmers regarding unsafe areas;
• Maintains order in swimming areas;
• Rescues swimmers in danger of drowning and administers first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required;
• Instructs clients in water safety;
• Lifts persons with disabilities as required;
• May give swimming instructions;
• May work with persons with disabilities;
• May perform park maintenance tasks;
• Performs related duties as required.

Pay & More:

• Pay: $20.00 - $21.00/ hour. No benefits.
• DEEP will provide all training required to work as a lifeguard at the State Park beaches. Training time is paid!
• Duration: Memorial Day Weekend (May 27th) through Labor Day (September 2th).
• Schedule: Lifeguards work daily shifts from 10AM - 6PM, five days a week. Most weekends and July 4th are mandatory.

You can find all the resources you will need to land a lifeguard gig by visiting CT.Gov

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