MA Begins 2024 Lifeguard Hiring With $1,250 Bonuses Available

WORCESTER, MA — The state Department of Conservation and Recreation this week kicked off lifeguard hiring ahead of summer 2024, and will offer bonuses up to $1,250 for the second year in a row, plus other incentives.

Lifeguards are in high demand each summer, with many cities and towns in the state unable to hire enough guards to staff beaches. The DCR jobs are among the highest paying in the state, with lifeguards watching some of the busiest swimming areas.

The jobs will pay between $22 and $27 per hour this year, depending on experience. There's a $500 bonus available for anyone who submits an application by May 1 — if hired — or a $250 bonus for applications received by June 1. On top of bonuses and higher hourly pay, the state provides free lifeguard training classes valued at $400.

As usual, DCR will open many swimming areas on Memorial Day weekend. The swimming season lasts through Labor Day. To keep lifeguards working for the entire season, anyone who works until Aug. 18 will get a $250 retention bonus. Lifeguards who work through Labor Day can get a $500 retention bonus.

Lifeguards are just one prong of the state's effort to prevent drownings during the summer months. The state now offers free swimming lessons at DCR pools across the state. In 2023, the lessons were available in July and August at nine pools from Hyde Park to Milford, Worcester and Springfield.

Anyone interested in a lifeguard position can apply on the DCR website.