New Bedford, Massachusetts - Each summer, the City of New Bedford Department of Recreation hires certified lifeguards to staff New Bedford’s East and West Municipal Beaches.  This month, the Recreation Department will offer a Lifeguard Certification Program to qualifying New Bedford residents.  Once certified as lifeguards, individuals are eligible to apply for one of the summer municipal lifeguard positions. 

Applicants interested in participating in the upcoming Lifeguard Training Session must meet the following qualifications:

• A New Bedford resident
• 16 years of age or older
• Be willing to participate in 60 hours of training
• Pass the swim pre-test: a 550-yard swim (250-yard crawl, 100-yard breaststroke, plus 200-crawl and or breaststroke), surface dive to 13 feet, retrieve and swim 20 yards with a 10 lb. diving brick
• Meet income guidelines

*Note: Income based scholarships may be available to individuals who meet the criteria

The City’s Lifeguard Supervisor David Ponte said the City seeks New Bedford residents who are strong swimmers, possess excellent interpersonal skills and are certified lifeguards to fill these summer lifeguard positions.  He encouraged others to take advantage of the Lifeguard Certification Program now offered by the City, to gain the necessary qualifications to be eligible to be considered for a summer municipal lifeguard position.  David has been a lifeguard for 22 years and has supervised dozens of summer lifeguards over the years. “It is the lifeguard’s duty to ensure patrons safety and protect lives by preventing and responding to emergencies.  I can’t think of a more rewarding way for a person to spend their summer than as a municipal lifeguard, safeguarding New Bedford families in and around the water,” he said.  

Registration forms are available at the New Bedford Recreation Department at the Buttonwood Park Warming House or call the Recreation Department at (508) 991-6295.

Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)

View all articles by Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)