Press Release  DCR Kicks Off Statewide Recruitment for Lifeguards, Water Safety Staff for 2024 Summer Season

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced the agency is accepting applications for lifeguards, swim instructors and other pool and waterfront roles across the state for the 2024 summer season. Qualified candidates, who apply early and work through the end of the season, can earn up to $1,250 in bonuses, in addition to a competitive hourly rate of between $22 and $27, dependent on the position and associated certifications. 

"Every summer, we welcome thousands of children and families from all over to our beautiful beaches and pools,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Hiring qualified and trained lifeguard and water safety staff is critical to ensuring we can provide our residents and visitors with a fun, safe and enjoyable summer.”  

“As a former lifeguard, I know firsthand what a great summer job it is – you’ll get to spend your summer outdoors, make good money, and potentially help save some lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “DCR lifeguards also become leaders in their communities – they are first responders trained to prevent injuries and calmly and efficiently prevent a crisis at our waterfronts and pools. We encourage anyone who is interested to apply.” 

“As our summers get hotter and hotter, our pools are shorelines are critical resources for families and children – especially those in our environmental justice communities who are disproportionately impacted by climate change,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Ensuring that we have enough lifeguards to safely open our beaches and pools is a matter of public health.” 

 “Our DCR beaches and pools are popular spaces for people of all abilities and backgrounds to enjoy as they seek relief from the summer heat,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Staffing these spaces with qualified lifeguards is part of our ongoing effort to ensure visitors to our properties feel safe and welcome.” 

DCR is offering an early sign-on bonus of $500 to candidates who submit a complete and accurate hiring packed by Wednesday, May 1, 2024, and $250 for candidates who submit one by Saturday, June 1, 2024. Additionally, the agency is offering a $250 retention bonus for to lifeguards who remain in good standing and work through Sunday, August 18, 2024 – the end of the pool and inland beach season, and an additional $500 for those who work through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024 – the end of the season for DCR’s coastal beaches. 

DCR lifeguard applicants must be at least 16 years old by their date of hire, complete lifeguard training, and be certified in first aid and CPR. DCR offers free lifeguard training classes through May for candidates who commit to working prior to the start of the summer season. As first responders, DCR lifeguards are essential for ensuring the safety of visitors to state managed beaches and pools. 

Most of DCR’s pool and waterfront positions are short-term seasonal positions with a 40-hour work week, including weekends and holidays. Part-time lifeguard and instructor positions (up to 20 hours per week) may be available. To apply to be a DCR lifeguard visit mass.gov/lifeguards.  

DCR will open its 81 designated swimming areas across Massachusetts during Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-27) and the season runs through Labor Day - September 2. 

As part of its commitment to water safety, the Healey-Driscoll Administration offers free swimming lessons for children at DCR pools every year through its Learn to Swim Program. Information on signing up for free lessons will be released in June. 

All DCR pools are equipped with accessible chair lifts and/or ramps to allow visitors of all abilities to enter the water. DCR also provides beach mats and floating beach wheelchairs at many of its beaches. 

Today marks the kickoff of DCR’s Bureau of Pool and Waterfront Safety’s annual campaign to recruit lifeguards, head lifeguards, pool and waterfront supervisors and water safety instructors to work at the agency’s more than 30 guarded beaches and waterfronts, 24 swimming pools and two wading pools across Massachusetts. As part of this effort, DCR will work with partner state agencies, state and local elected officials, municipalities and educational institutions and officials to spread the word on the opportunity for good-paying summer employment.  

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