‘We hope we don’t have to close beaches’ R.I. struggles to fill summer jobs

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management typically hires 500 workers per summer.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Rhode Island is joining the list of states across the country that are struggling to fill crucial, seasonal summer jobs.

Jennifer Ogren, a spokesperson with The Department of Environmental Management, says the state is seeing about 20% less total applicants than previous years- the biggest application defecit ever. And that’s especially a significant number when Rhode Island typically hires 500 seasonal workers per summer.

“We have never had to close down beaches. We always seem to manage and make it work, but we are really going to have to watch this season closely,” Ogren says.

The department of environmental management says there’s been a steady decline of especially lifeguard applications over the past few years but it’s now worse because of COVID-19. And this comes as a concern to many- especially as restrictions across the nation continue to ease up and record travel numbers are anticipated.

And if the state can’t fill most of these seasonal positions there might be some noticeable differences. For example: you might see fewer and smaller lifeguarded areas where residents can swim at beaches.

The hope is that there’s surge in applications once high schoolers are out for the summer.

“I think kids are really just trying to get through this year. It was a really tough year- and to think of having to stop and go right into a job I don’t think that’s on everyone’s mind,” Ogren says.

The state says if they get more requests for lifeguard certification dates, sessions will be set up through municipalities or the state.

If you are interested in applying for any seasonal jobs for the state, please click here.