The National Park Service (NPS) is gearing up for summer now by putting out the Help Wanted sign for lifeguards at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
NPS plans to hire at least 12 lifeguards to work this summer at one or more of the three beaches in the DWG - Smithfield Beach in East Stroudsburg, Pa., Milford Beach in Milford, Pa., and Turtle Beach in Hardwick Towship, N.J., the agency announced Feb. 10. Candidates must have lifeguard certification, a CPR/First Aid/AED training certificate, take a drug test and physical (paid for by the NPS), be in excellent physical condition and available to work from mid-June through the end of August, including weekend and holidays, according to the announcement.
“This is a great opportunity for students, retirees, and others to join our team at the NPS,” Dustin Gunderson, U.S. Park Ranger and Lifeguard Program Manager at DWG, said in the announcement. “If you meet the qualifications and are looking for a way to earn money this summer that is both challenging and rewarding, we want you to apply.”
Lifeguard responsibilities include enforcing regulations, public safety, providing first aid and visitor information, continuing training and water assists and rescues, among other daily duties, according to the report. They must also plan and instruct EMS training and lifeguard skills, complete proper incident documentation and operational reports, and maintain emergency equipment. Each shift begins with an hour of physical training, including swimming, running and/or skills reviews, and other activities, the report states.
Lifeguard classifications needed at the DWG include GS-03 Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard, which pays $16.81 per hour; and GS-04 Lead Recreation Assistant/Lifeguard position, which pays $18.87 per hour, according to USA Jobs, the federal government hiring website. Additional requirements necessary to qualify for those positions are at USAJobs. Applicants must apply through the website; applications submitted directly to the DWG park will not be accepted, the NPS reports.
“We are looking for certified lifeguards who are strong swimmers, have a sense of adventure, and who also love the outdoors and working with people," Gunderson said in the announcement.
"Lifeguards play an important role in improving safety for park visitors and providing a safer alternative to swimming where there are no guards on duty. They are a key part of the park team," Gunderson said.
