Lifeguard Positions (Lifeguard I)
DCR lifeguards must be at least 16 years of age at the time of hire and certified through Labor Day 2023 in:
- Lifeguarding (Red Cross / YMCA / BSA)
- First Aid
- CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (Basic Life Support / Healthcare Provider)
- Note: Certification must include two-rescuer CPR and the use of and AED and BVM. “Online only” courses are not acceptable. You must have your skills verified in person with an authorized instructor who then issues certification.
Lifeguard candidates must also be able to swim 500 yards (20 lengths of a “standard” high school pool) in under 11 minutes.
If you hold a certificate other than those listed above, please contact your Regional PWS contact to determine whether your certification meets the required standards.
Waterfront and Ocean Lifeguards
Lifeguards working at Designated Swimming Areas (inland and ocean) must also be certified in the American Red Cross Waterfront Skills module (or equivalent, such as YMCA Lifeguarding).
Because of the additional challenges of working at an ocean beach, ocean guards must complete the 500-yard swim in under 9 minutes 30 seconds in addition to a Run-Swim-Run.
Work Permits
If offered a position as a lifeguard, applicants under the age of 18 must present a valid work permit authorization issued from your school.
- DCR will provide you a Work Permit Application that you will need to have signed by a parent/guardian/custodian.
- Bring the completed Work Permit Application (with your parent/guardian/custodian’s signature) to your Superintendent of Schools or other person authorized to issue work permits in your city/town. This is sometimes the High School Principal’s office or the Guidance office.
- Return the signed work permit to the DCR point of contact for the region in which you intend to work along with all other required application materials.
Not certified? No problem! DCR offers a limited number of free lifeguard certification courses for qualified lifeguard candidates, provided you work for us in the Summer of 2023. Classes typically run December through May.
Are you ready to take a lifeguard certification course? If you think you might have the swimming skills to become a lifeguard, visit our Lifeguard Certification Course Prerequisites page to better assess if you are ready to enter a lifeguarding course.
Head Lifeguard Positions (Lifeguard II)
Head Lifeguards are considered to be part of the professional lifeguard leadership team at all DCR aquatic facilities. As such, head lifeguards must meet the minimum certification requirements applicable to all lifeguards at their facility. Additionally, head lifeguards must:
- Be at least 18 years old;
- Possess at least one season (10 weeks) of full-time or equivalent part time lifeguarding experience;
- Possess certification in the American Red Cross Lifeguard Management (certification obtained online); and
- Preferably possess current certification as an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor.
Why not make an investment in yourself? DCR Lifeguards interested in taking the Lifeguard Management course to prepare themselves for advancement into a Head Lifeguard position should contact their Regional Pool & Waterfront Safety manager to request a 50% discount coupon code for the Red Cross training site. The increased salary of the Head Guard position means that your out-of-pocket training costs will be recovered in a week and a half! This is a wise investment as it allows you to earn approximately an extra $300 this upcoming summer (over and above what a lifeguard gets paid). That is a 500% return on your investment! Assuming you return a second summer as a Head Lifeguard, you stand to earn about $400 over what you would have otherwise earned as lifeguard, all while gaining valuable leadership experience that transcends occupational boundaries.
Assistant Pool Manager (Recreational Facility Supervisor II)
The Assistant Pool Manager works closely with the Pool Manager to oversee swimming pool operations and staffing. This includes maintaining swimming pool chemicals, scheduling staff, handling administrative functions (timesheets, daily and weekly reports) as well as general cleaning and maintenance duties around the pool. DCR requires all Assistant Pool Managers to become certified in a qualified swimming pool operator course approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This includes the Practical Pool Management PLUS course, the Aquatic Facility Operator course and the Certified Pool & Spa Operator course. DCR offers applicants the opportunity to take a DCR-sponsored pool operator certification course. Applicants who are unable to attend a DCR-sponsored course are welcome to obtain the necessary certification on their own. It is highly desirable that the Assistant Pool Manager possesses prior lifeguarding experience, preferably at a DCR swimming pool.
Waterfront Supervisor (Recreational Facility Supervisor II)
The Waterfront Supervisor is responsible for the overall management of a Designated Swimming Area and the lifeguard staff assigned to such location. The Waterfront Supervisor works closely with DCR Park Operations staff to ensure that the standards for maintaining a designated swimming area are met, including in some instances conducting water sampling for weekly bacteria analysis. The Waterfront Supervisor is responsible for scheduling lifeguard staff and working with the Head Lifeguard to ensure staff are appropriately stationed, in uniform, and meeting the performance expectation of DCR lifeguards. Waterfront Supervisors should have prior lifeguarding experience, preferably as a Head Lifeguard at a DCR designated swimming area.
Pool Manager (Recreational Facility Supervisor III)
DCR Pool Managers are responsible for the overall operation of their respective facility. This includes maintaining swimming pool chemicals, scheduling staff, handling administrative functions (timesheets, daily and weekly reports) as well as general cleaning and maintenance duties. DCR requires all Pool Managers to become certified in a qualified swimming pool operator course approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This includes the Practical Pool Management PLUS course, the Aquatic Facility Operator course and the Certified Pool & Spa Operator course. DCR offers applicants the opportunity to take a DCR-sponsored pool operator certification course. Applicants who are unable to attend a DCR-sponsored course are welcome to obtain the necessary certification on their own. It is highly desirable that Pool Manager candidates possess prior lifeguarding experience and pool operator experience, preferably at a DCR swimming pool.
Beach Manager (Recreational Facility Supervisor III)
DCR Beach Managers are responsible for the overall operation of select ocean Designated Swimming Area. Beach managers are responsible for lifeguard scheduling, preparing timesheets for processing by DCR Administrative Coordinators, conducting in-service training at their respective facilities, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the waterfront, determining which area(s) of the waterfront may be closed because of dangerous conditions (e.g. rip currents, dangerous aquatic life), and other similar operational responsibilities. Beach Managers should have prior lifeguarding experience, preferably as a Waterfront Supervisor at a DCR designated swimming area.
Lifeguarding Instructor
Are your lifeguarding skills exemplary? Do you think you would be good at training others to become lifeguards? If so, then you should consider becoming an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor. As a DCR Lifeguarding Instructor, not only will you receive a preference for placement as a Head Lifeguard, but you also will play a critical role in overseeing the in-service training program at your facility. Visit Become a DCR Lifeguarding Instructor for more information.
Water Safety Instructor
DCR is proud to be a Licensed Training Provider of the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program. DCR lifeguards that are also certified Water Safety / Basic Swim Instructors are used to teach swimming lessons at DCR facilities. If you are interested in working as a DCR lifeguard and also teaching swim lessons, visit Become a DCR Water Safety Instructor for more information.