State Parks seeks lifeguards

It’s never too early to start thinking about summer.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced four lifeguard qualifying procedures are scheduled in the Niagara Region for the 2020 season. Lifeguard positions will be available at Beaver Island, Evangola, Woodlawn Beach Fort Niagara and Wilson-Tuscarora state parks.

That said, lifeguards are needed statewide, and qualifiers taken locally can be used for employment elsewhere in New York. Lifeguards in New York State Parks start at $14.66 an hour.

Successful completion of this qualifying procedure is required for anyone wishing to work as a lifeguard at any New York State Park. The qualifier includes demonstrated experience in CPR and swimming skills. Tests will take place at Lewiston-Porter (March 7 and May 30) and Hamburg (April 4 and May 2) high schools. Registration at both locations begins at 8:30 a.m. is free of cost. Qualifying procedures start promptly at 9 a.m. No late entrants will be admitted.

Prior to employment, successful candidates must be at least 16 years of age and must furnish proof of completion of CPR for the professional rescuer and completion of American Red Cross lifeguarding/first aid/ CPR/AED course with waterfront skills module or equivalent courses. Successful candidates will also need a physician's certification of adequate physical fitness including a minimum of 20/70 uncorrected (corrected to 20/40) vision after receiving a conditional job offer.

For more information or to register for a test, contact the Niagara Region Safety Department at 716-278-1785 or by text at 716-319-8100. For more-specific information regarding the test, visit www.nysparks.com/employment/lifeguards/default.aspx.