DCR West Region Lifeguarding

DCR’s West Region offers lifeguard opportunities at six different aquatic facilities:

Pools	Designated Swimming Areas
Gerald J. Mason Memorial Swimming Pool (Agawam)	Chicopee Memorial State Park (Chicopee)
Sarah S. Sherman Memorial Swimming Pool (Chicopee)	Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest (Goshen)
John H. Thomas Memorial Swimming Pool (Springfield)	Hampton Ponds State Park (Westfield)

To Apply

For further information on working in the West Region, or for information on upcoming certification courses or skill development opportunities please submit a Pool & Waterfront Safety Interest Form or contact:

Vivian Wells  [phone]   [e-mail]

Pool & Waterfront Safety Interest Form

DCR-Sponsored Lifeguard Certification Courses

DCR offers qualified lifeguard candidates that end up working for DCR over the upcoming summer an opportunity to become certified at no cost.  Persons who participate in a DCR training program and then who do not to work for DCR over the course of the upcoming summer will be expected to pay for the certification course themselves.  This cost can be upwards of $400.

Most DCR lifeguarding courses use a Blended Format.  These classes have an online component that must be completed before the in-person pool sessions. 

• The online component takes approximately 8 hours to complete. Please plan accordingly and distribute this learning over a period of days.
• Do not wait until the last minute to do the online training. Any issues with the technology or accessing the Red Cross training site must be resolved in time to allow completion of the online content before the in-person session. We recommend completing the online training at least one week prior to the in-person sessions.
• Candidates must print and bring proof of completion of the online content to the in-person session. 
• Candidates who do not bring proof of completion to the in-person sessions will not be able to attend the in-person sessions and will not be eligible for certification.  This is a Red Cross policy.

Lifeguarding Review and Waterfront Skills Courses

Successful completion of a Lifeguarding or Lifeguarding Review course will provide candidates with certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Certification is valid for two years.

Individuals looking to work at a DCR waterfront will also need to complete the Red Cross Waterfront Skills Module separate from the Red Cross Lifeguarding course.  This six-hour course is typically scheduled in May and June.  The YMCA Lifeguarding course includes waterfront certification.

To be eligible for an American Red Cross Review course, your certification must be current. The Red Cross will allow a 30 day grace period for enrollment into a review course.  If your certification has expired by 31 days or more you must take a full course to become certified.

To register for any of these courses, please contact Vivian Wells via phone at [phone]or via email [e-mail]

Course Name	Date	Time	Location
Lifeguarding Pre-course Assessment	Wednesday, 02/14/24	4:15p - 5:15p	Ludlow
Lifeguarding Pre-course Assessment	Friday, 02/16/24	4:15p - 5:15p	Ludlow
ARC Blended Learning Lifeguarding with Waterfront Skills	Monday, 02/19 Tuesday, 02/20 Wednesday, 02/21 Thursday, 02/22	8a - 4p 8a - 4p 8a - 4p 8a - 12p	Ludlow
Lifeguarding Pre-course Assessment	Wednesday, 03/06	3:30p - 5p	Ludlow
Lifeguarding Pre-course Assessment	Monday, 03/25	3:30p - 5p	Ludlow
Lifeguarding Pre-course Assessment	Wednesday, 04/03	3:30p - 5p	Ludlow
ARC Blended Learning Lifeguarding with Waterfront Skills	Monday, 04/15 Tuesday, 04/16 Wednesday, 04/17 Thursday, 04/18	8a - 4p     8a - 4p 8a - 4p 8a -12p	Ludlow
ARC Recertification Course Lifeguarding with Waterfront Skills	Thursday, 04/18 Friday, 04/19	12p - 5p 8a - 4p	Ludlow
Waterfront Skills Course	Wednesday, 06/05 & Thursday 06/06	3p - 6p	Chicopee SP

 

West Region CPR/AED Classes

Massachusetts state law requires lifeguards employed by the state or its municipalities to undergo CPR certification annually.  If your CPR certification was issued before September 4, 2023, you will need to attend a CPR Basic Life Support / Professional Rescuer Review Course.

To register for any of these courses, please contact Vivian Wells via phone at [phone]or via email [e-mail]

Course Name	Date	Time	Location
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Sunday, 02/11	8a - 11a	Holyoke
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Sunday, 02/11	11:30a - 2:30p	Holyoke
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Sunday, 02/25	8a - 11a	Holyoke
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Sunday, 02/25	11:30a - 2:30p	Holyoke
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Sunday, 03/10	8a - 11a	Amherst
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Sunday, 03/10	11:30a - 2p	Amherst
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Saturday, 03/23	8a - 11a	Amherst
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Saturday, 03/23	11:30a - 2p	Amherst
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Saturday, 04/13	8a - 11a	Holyoke
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Saturday, 04/13	11:30a - 2:30p	Holyoke
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Sunday, 04/21	8a - 11a	Holyoke
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Sunday, 04/21	11:30a - 2:30p	Holyoke
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Wednesday, 05/08	3 - 6p	Westfield
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Tuesday, 05/14	3 - 6p	Westfield
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	Monday, 05/20	3 - 6p	Westfield