It may be December, but the state is already thinking about next Summer.  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is recruiting lifeguards for the 8 State Park guarded beaches, including Squantz Pond. 

American Red Cross Lifeguarding classes are being offered at no cost to those interested in becoming a lifeguard December 27th through 30th.  The certification can only be used for employment as a lifeguard at Connecticut State Parks.  

DEEP Commissioner Susan Whalen says they hope the new approach will help recruit  full lifeguard squads at each park.  She says the classes are designed to train people interested in working as a lifeguard, but can't pay for the certification themselves.  Training will be held in Middletown. 

Hours of work are 10 am to 6 pm, five days per week, for a total of 40 hours. Weekends and holidays are mandatory. Minimum age by May 25th is 16 years for Lifeguards, 18 years for Lifeguard Supervisors.