DCR West Region Lifeguarding

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:

Jay Talbot [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.

West Region Lifeguarding and Lifeguarding Review Classes

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 qualify for the maximum signing bonus, you must submit a copy of your Lifeguarding/First Aid certification along with your hiring packet no later than May 1, 2023.

To register for any of these courses, please contact Jay Talbot via phone [phone] or via email [e-mail].

Course Name	Date	Location
Lifeguarding	April 18, 19, 20, 21, 2023 5:30pm – 9:30pm April 22, 23, 2023 9:00am – 5:00pm	Deerfield
Lifeguarding Review	April 22, 23, 2023 9:00am – 5:00pm	Deerfield
Water Safety Instructor (Must attend all dates)	Pre-Course Skills Assessment April 30, 2023 9am-12pm  Instructor Course May 30, 2023 9:00am-5:00pm  June 1, 3, 5 & 7, 2023 9:00am-5:00pm	Deerfield
Lifeguarding	May 31, 2023 9:00 – 5:00 PM June 2, 4, 6, 8 & 10, 2023 9:00am – 5:00pm	Deerfield

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, 2022, you will need to attend a CPR Review Course.

To qualify for the maximum signing bonus, you must submit a copy of your CPR certification along with your hiring packet no later than May 1, 2023.

To register for any of these courses, please contact Jay Talbot via phone [phone] or via email [e-mail].

Course Name	Date	Location
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	April 29, 2023 8:00 am – 11:00 am	Holyoke Heritage State Park
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	April 29, 2023 11:30 am – 2:30 pm	Holyoke Heritage State Park
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	May 13, 2023 8:00 am – 11:00 am	Holyoke Heritage State Park
CPR Pro Rescuer Review	May 13, 2023 11:30 am – 2:30 pm	Holyoke Heritage State Park