The Peru Gazette

New Yorkers that love the outdoors and are looking for summer employment are invited to participate in free lifeguard qualifying procedures beginning January 21, 2017, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.

Seasonal lifeguard positions are available at DEC campgrounds throughout the Adirondack and Catskill parks this summer. The current hourly rate for NYS DEC lifeguards is $13.27. Additionally, most facilities offer free housing.

Individuals 16 and older interested in lifeguarding positions at DEC facilities this summer may register. DEC qualifying procedures will be offered through June 11, 2017. Candidates who qualify will be considered for employment. The procedure includes an in-water demonstration of lifesaving techniques and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) performance.

Candidates may attend the DEC qualifying location convenient to them, and the results will be forwarded to their preferred work location.

At the time of employment, DEC lifeguards must:

Be at least 16 years of age;
Possess a valid certification in Waterfront Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider, and First Aid (if not included in the lifeguard training course);
Have successfully completed the DEC lifeguard qualifying procedure;
Have completed a personal interview with DEC;
Have attended a DEC lifeguard orientation;
Submit a current certification of the candidate’s physical ability to perform lifeguard duties; and
Meet the vision requirement of 20/70 uncorrected in both eyes and be correctable to the 20/40 standard. Candidates tested at a vision level below 20/40 in either one or both eyes must correct to a minimum of 20/40 with 20/20 preferred.
Qualifying procedures will begin on time and late arrivals will not be accepted. Candidates will be given a 15 minute warm-up period to become familiar with the pool and equipment. Candidates must bring photo identification, current certifications (if available), and their own CPR mask.

2017 Qualifying Dates and Locations
Date Time Location Address City
Saturday January 21st 9:00am Lynch Literacy Academy 55 Brandt Place Amsterdam
Saturday February 25th 9:00am Gloversville Middle School 234 Lincoln Street Gloversville
Sunday March 19th 2:00pm Glens Falls High School 15 Quade Street Glens Falls
Sunday March 26th 2:00pm Paul Smiths College (Saunders Sports Complex) Route 30 Saranac Lake
Saturday April 1st 9:00am Holland Patent High School 8079 Thomson Road Holland Patent
Sunday April 2nd 2:00pm Moriah Central School 39 Viking Lane Port Henry
Saturday April 8th 9:00am Gloversville Middle School 234 Lincoln Street Gloversville
Sunday April 30th 9:00am SUNY Delhi (Kunsela Hall) 2 Main Street Delhi
Saturday May 6th 9:00am South Lewis Central School 4264 East Road Turin
Sunday May 7th 2:00pm SUNY Cobleskill (Bouck Hall) Route 7 Cobleskill
Saturday May 20th 9:00am Queensbury Elementary School 431 Aviation Road Queensbury
Saturday June 3rd 9:00am Lynch Literacy Academy 55 Brandt Place Amsterdam
Sunday June 11th 2:00pm Paul Smiths College (Saunders Sports Complex) Route 30 Saranac Lake
DEC reserves the right to cancel.

Certification courses may be available through DEC. 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.