Press Release

Contact:
Bureau of Parks and Lands Lifeguard Coordinator Gloria Allen, 624-6079
Press office: Susan Benson, cell phone: 592-0013 office: 287-4909

Maine State Parks Need Lifeguards
Currently, 24 Vacancies Statewide

AUGUSTA, Maine – (May 10, 2001) Can you swim 500 yards in under 10 minutes and do you enjoy working with people? If so, the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands would like to hear from you. For the second year in a row, the Bureau is approaching the summer season with an unprecedented number of lifeguard vacancies, this year’s total is 24. Key coastal and inland state parks such as Popham Beach, Sebago Lake, and Crescent Beach have multiple lifeguard positions to fill before the influx of summer visitors arrive.

People interested in applying should contact Bureau of Parks and Lands Lifeguard Coordinator Gloria Allen by phone, 624-6079, or by e-mail: gloria.m.allen@state.me.us The Lifeguard job description is listed on the Department’s Web site at www.state.me.us/doc/jobs

“Working as a Maine State Park Lifeguard is a great summer job that affords employees an opportunity to gain leadership experience and build their resume. It is also a great opportunity for non-traditional applicants like parents and teachers,” said Department of Conservation Commissioner Ron Lovaglio. “If you’re interested in learning about becoming a Maine State Park lifeguard, give us a call!”

There are 24 lifeguard positions currently open; special qualifications for these positions include:

1. Current Lifeguard Certification
   
2. Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification
   
3. Current First Aid Certification
   
4. Ability to swim 500 yards in 10 minutes or less
   
5. Ability to run 1.5 miles in 12 minutes or less
   
6. Successfully complete Maine State Park Lifeguard Academy
   

"The good news is that people who don’t have their lifeguard certification and are interested in applying, still have time to be certified," stated Bureau of Parks and Lands Lifeguard Coordinator Gloria Allen. “Potential applicants can contact me for certification training in their local area.” The lifeguard season will open on June 3, followed with Maine State Parks Lifeguard Academy June 12, 13 and 14. The opening of the summer season varies according to park, but all state parks will be open by Memorial Day weekend.

The current openings exist at the following state parks:

• Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle
  
• Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth
  
• Damariscotta Lake State Park, Jefferson
  
• Ferry Beach State Park, Saco
  
• Lake St. George State Park, Liberty
  
• Mt. Blue State Park, Weld
  
• Peaks-Kenny State Park, Dover-Foxcroft
  
• Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg
  
• Range Ponds State Park, Poland Springs
  
• Reid State Park, Georgetown
  
• Roque Bluffs State Park, Roque Bluffs
  
• Sebago Lake State Park, Casco
  
• Swan Lake State Park, Belfast
  

The Bureau of Parks and Lands is one of five bureaus within the Department of Conservation; BPL administers 32 Maine State Parks, 480,000 acres of Public Reserved Lands, and 12 State Historic Sites.

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