AUGUSTA, Maine – College students and other people who are considering applying for a lifeguard position this summer at the Maine state parks should pursue getting their lifeguard certification in the coming months, according to the coordinator of the state parks’ Lifeguard Academy.

Applications for the lifeguard positions won’t be considered until the applicant gets the required training, according to Brian Murray, Lifeguard Academy coordinator and Popham Beach State Park manager.

“This would a good time to be about getting training for a summer job,” Murray said this week. “Get the training, and you’ll have the opportunity to get a pretty decent summer job.”

The Maine state parks, which are operated by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, under the Maine Department of Conservation, usually hire about 42 lifeguards for positions at both ocean- and lake-front parks, Murray said. The positions are all full-time jobs lasting about 12 weeks, with a starting pay of $10.43 an hour, he said.

Prior to starting work for the park season, the lifeguards, who all must be certified, attend a state-sponsored academy, held at Range Ponds State Park in Poland Spring. Those lifeguards who work at the state’s ocean-front beaches also attend Surf Academy held at Popham Beach State Park, Murray explained.

The jobs are popular ones and offer numerous opportunities, particularly for young people, the academy coordinator said. He noted that the jobs are good resume-builders.

“Lifeguards are definitely the face of the parks – you are the person out there,” Murray said. “These jobs serve the public in a very important way by providing safety. They require responsible people, and they build character; you get to meet lots of people, and they are a great learning experience.”

Of course, there’s the sun-and-fun aspect and being paid to stay in shape. “Real lifeguards tend to be very active people,” Murray joked.

Applicants can get certified in a number of ways, the coordinator pointed out. Lifeguard certification, which usually is a 10- to 25-hour program, is available through many colleges, the YMCA, the American Red Cross and community recreation programs, as well as some private pools. Successful candidates also will have to be able to swim 500 meters in under 10 minutes, Murray said.

Anyone interested in applying can begin the process now, Murray said. Applicants, who should be 18 at the time the job starts, can get applications online through the Maine state government Direct Hire website, he said. They also can indicate at which park they would like to work, the coordinator said. Park managers will review the applications and interview candidates, he said.

“This really is the time to be thinking ahead to the summer months and work prospects,” Murray said. “We need good lifeguards, and we want qualified applicants.”

For more information, contact Brian Murray, Lifeguard Academy coordinator and Popham Beach State Park manager, at: (207) 389-1335 or at Brian.J.Murray@maine.gov

For an online hiring application, go to: http://www.maine.gov/bhr/state_jobs/index.htm