DEC Announces Free Waterfront Lifeguard Course

Applications Now Accepted for Summer Recreation Jobs

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the agency is offering a free waterfront lifeguard course February 18 through 21, at the Lynch Literacy Academy in Amsterdam, Montgomery County. Individuals looking for seasonal summer employment who enjoy the outdoors are encouraged to learn more about DEC's summer recreation opportunities.

"Summer employment at DEC campgrounds and day use areas provides an excellent opportunity to be part of a team that helps visitors enjoy the great outdoors in New York State's beautiful Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserves," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "I encourage anyone with a passion for the outdoors and an interest in working at one of DEC's campgrounds to take this opportunity for free certification in Lifesaving and CPR skills."

Individuals 16 and older interested in lifeguarding positions at DEC facilities this summer may register for the free course. Candidates who complete the course will be considered for employment. The course includes certification in all required waterfront lifeguarding skills, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the professional rescuer, and first aid.

A prerequisite fitness test will be given the morning of Tuesday, February 18. Candidates must successfully complete each component to continue with the course:

• A 550 yd. (22 lengths) continuous swim (front crawl or breaststroke only);
• Treading water for two minutes using legs only;
• Swim 20 yards, surface dive to retrieve a 10-pound brick, return to surface, and swim on the back returning to the starting point. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps; and
• Swim five yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed five yards apart in four to seven feet of water, resurface, and continue to swim another five yards to complete the skill sequence.

Applicants must be 16 years of age, meet agency medical and vision (20/70 or better) requirements, and intend to work at a DEC facility for the 2020 season. Immediately following the course, candidates who pass will be given the opportunity to take the DEC qualifying procedure. Only individuals that pass the qualifying procedure can by employed as DEC lifeguards.

Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds throughout the Adirondack and Catskill parks this summer. Most facilities offer free housing. For more information, updates, or to pre-register, call 518-457-2500 ext. #1, e-mail DEC at Info.LifeGuard@dec.ny.gov, or visit the Employment Opportunities in Summer Recreation web page on DEC's website.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html