this season Milford Lifeguards Gear up for Summer

Trips to the beach are the first thing that come to mind on a blazing hot summer day for Connecticut teens and families. Nothing beats a swim in Long Island Sound on a sunny day. That means the lifeguards on the public beaches of Milford are gearing up for another busy season.

The Milford Recreation Department announced that the 2023 lifeguard season begins Memorial Day weekend and ends on Labor Day weekend. Lifeguards are on duty weekends only until July 4th, when daily lifeguard service begins. Lifeguards will be on duty at Walnut Beach and Gulf Beach. In order to be a lifeguard, Waterfront, CPR, and First Aid certifications are required. Lifeguards must be 16 years old by the start of their first shift. “There is a national shortage of lifeguards, so they can be difficult to find,” says Rich Minnix of the Milford Recreation Department. “We would love to have 20-25 lifeguards to cover both beaches.”

Silver Sands State Park is also hiring lifeguards, but they are employed under the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The responsibilities of a beach lifeguard are significant. Being a lifeguard is not just about rescuing people from the water. Lifeguards have a professional and moral obligation to prevent potential accidents and dangerous situations by enforcing the rules and regulations of the Milford Recreation facilities and reacting to emergencies that may occur.

A lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to protect lives by constantly scanning the aquatic facility to recognize swimmers in distress, wearing rescue tubes, and carrying masks/gloves while on the stand or patrolling the aquatic area edge. Lifeguards must be vigilant for signs of trouble and act when necessary.

Milford lifeguards must be in proper uniform for the entire shift. Guards must wear a whistle, a hip pack containing a CPR mask and gloves, a red lifeguard shirt, and red/black lifeguard shorts.

They must know and review all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with Milford Recreation policies and procedures. Once complete, they will complete related reports as required.

One of the challenges that lifeguards face on the Connecticut shoreline is the changeable weather conditions. The coastline is subject to sudden and severe storms and lifeguards must be prepared to react quickly and effectively when the weather turns bad.

In addition, the unpredictable tides and currents make the job of a lifeguard even more difficult.

Despite these challenges, for many young people, lifeguarding is a way to spend the summer outdoors, earn money, and gain valuable work experience. Milford lifeguards earn minimum wage which is $15 an hour. For some, it’s also a stepping-stone to a career in emergency services or public safety. But being a lifeguard is not just a job or a career path. It’s a way of life that requires dedication, discipline, and a commitment to serving others. Lifeguards must be physically fit expert swimmers and have the keen mental ability to remain alert at all times.

“The most valuable thing I’ve learned from being a lifeguard is the knowledge I gained through the CPR and First Aid Certification,” says Milford lifeguard Jake Fleisher. “It is a really great skill to have to be able to think quickly and help to keep people safe.”

Like Fleisher, many other lifeguards are proud to be part of a tradition of service that has helped to keep the beaches of Milford safe. This year when you are on the beach, be sure to thank your lifeguard.

—Maya Rosado