The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is continuing to hire lifeguards for the summer season.  DEEP is still hiring staff for Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield.  The State Parks Division has increased the starting salary and is offering paid training and certifications.  Starting salary for lifeguards has increased to $16 an hour.  Hours of work are 10am to 6pm, 5 days per week, for a total of 40 hours. Most weekends and the July 4th holiday are mandatory.  Applicants must be at least 16 year old, 18 to apply as a lifeguard supervisor.  The deadline to apply is June 17th.  The basic duties of a lifeguard are: to monitor activities in swimming areas preventing accidents and providing assistance to swimmers at State Park beaches; to caution swimmers regarding unsafe areas; to maintain order in swimming areas; to rescue swimmers in danger of drowning and administer first aid and/or CPR as required; to participate in physical and rescue skills training; to perform general maintenance tasks and other related duties as required.