RIDEM announces big bonuses to staff state beaches

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced today that it is offering big bonuses for summer recruitment this year.

In a release, the DEM said it is offering a one-time sign-on bonus and retention bonuses of $500 each as well as an hourly pay increase between 10 and 15 percent to lifeguards.

The department said they view the incentive as critical in their recruitment of lifeguards to staff state parks and beaches in preparation for the summer season.

Officials said the Ocean State’s parks and beaches attract nearly 10 million visitors and add an estimated $300 million to the state economy annually.

Full-time lifeguard positions are available at all state swimming areas including surf beaches, non-surf beaches and freshwater beaches.

The department said they hope to hire around 150 lifeguards this year. There were about 85 staffed lifeguards in 2022, which led to some swimming areas being closed.

All applicants must receive state certification and have successfully completed courses and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid and CPR training.

The RIDEM shared these graphs depicting the 2022 lifeguard pay scale (Top) in comparison to the 2023 pay scale (Bottom)

For a complete list of seasonal employment opportunities and to apply, job-seekers may inquire here.