DEM is still looking for a few more good lifeguards

Up to $20/hr. pay plus up to $1000 in bonuses

By Janine L. Weisman, Rhode Island Current

About 90 lifeguards have already been hired to work at Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) beaches ahead of the summer 2025 season. But more are still needed.

“DEM is actively recruiting for seasonal positions and continues to accept applications throughout the season,” Chief Public Affairs Officer Kim Keough said in an email confirming the number of guards hired so far. “We are still hiring for all seasonal roles, especially our lifeguard positions and encourage anyone interested to apply!”

Keough said DEM’s Division of Parks and Recreation aims to hire over 100 lifeguards for the summer. 

DEM’s seasonal employment webpage still has a posting for seasonal state lifeguards — pay is listed as $18.75 to $19.25 an hour — and seasonal supervising lifeguards — paying $19.50 to $20.00 an hour.

To help with recruiting, DEM offers up to $1,000 in incentive bonuses — a $500 sign-on bonus for those hired by June 27 and an additional $500 for those who remain on the job through Sept. 1

All lifeguard candidates must receive state certification and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR, including infant, child, and adult. 

Lifeguards will be on duty and bathrooms and concessions will be open at Scarborough North and Salty Brine state beaches in Narragansett on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, and remain open weekends only until daily operations begin Memorial Day. All other state beaches, except Roger Wheeler, will officially open daily Saturday, May 24 and remain open until Labor Day. 

Beachgoers can plan ahead and buy their 2025 state beach season parking passes to all eight Rhode Island State beach parking lots. Online pass sales can take up to 24 hours to validate. New this year, returning customers with unchanged registration and contact information can bypass the verification process. They allow parking at all eight state beaches but do not guarantee entry. Parking is first-come, first-served.

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Rhode Island Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com.