The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking lifeguards at Breakheart Reservation — and numerous other state beaches and parks — this summer.
Certified lifeguard applicants that commit to working at an agency beach or pool for the 2023 season can earn up to $1,000 in bonuses, in addition to the hourly rate increase for lifeguards and pool staff to between $22 and $27 depending on position and associated certifications, the department said in a statement. In order to be considered for a lifeguard position, applicants must be at least 16 years old and be certified in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR.
“As a former lifeguard, I know it’s a great summer job – you make good money, spend your days outside, and help save lives,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll in the statement. “Gov. [Maura] Healey and I are committed to providing a safe and fun experience for families looking to spend time at our beautiful coastal beaches and pools this summer. We encourage anyone who is interested and is a good swimmer to apply to be a DCR lifeguard this summer.”
DCR emphasized the importance of ensuring pool and beach areas are fully staffed, citing the role lifeguards play in “addressing potential crisis situations to ensure the safety of all visitors.”
Candidates who submit an application by July 1 are eligible for an early sign-on bonus of $250, and those who commit to working until Aug. 20 can earn a $500 retention bonus. Anyone who commits to working through Sept. 4 can earn an additional $250 bonus.
“DCR beaches are popular places for children and families of all abilities across our state to visit and enjoy as they seek relief from the summer heat,” said Commissioner Brian Arrigo, the former mayor of Revere. “As the start of summer approaches, we are ramping up our efforts to ensure we have a full staff of lifeguards to keep our beach visitors safe.”
In addition to Breakheart, the department is seeking lifeguards at Salisbury Beach in Salisbury; Raymond Lord Pool in Lowell; Geisler and Higgins pools in Lawrence; Revere Beach; Constitution Beach in East Boston; Walden Pond in Concord; Ryan Wading Pool in Mattapan; Olsen Swimming Pool in Hyde Park; Wollaston Beach in Quincy; Pleasure Bay, Children’s Beach, Carson Beach, and M Street Beach in South Boston; Bennett Field Pool in Worcester; Leominster State Forest; and Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest in Goshen.
DCR has considerably ramped up efforts to boost lifeguard recruitment, working with Driscoll and partner state agencies, state and local elected officials, and municipalities to spread the word to communities across the Commonwealth, the statement said.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is also running lifeguard-recruitment announcements on electronic messaging boards on roadways in more than 40 Massachusetts cities and towns. Meanwhile, the MBTA is running recruitment advertising in stations across the system. DCR is also running lifeguard-recruitment radio PSAs.
“Working as a lifeguard at a DCR beach or pool is a great summer job for students, young adults and others – they’ll get to spend their time outdoors, make great money, and save lives!” the department said.
