DEM Offering Additional Surf and Non-Surf Lifeguard Certification Tests

Published on Wednesday, June 26, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that it will be administering additional lifeguard certification tests. Additional testing dates are being added to accommodate facilities hiring college and high school students who could not take earlier tests due to conflicts with their school schedules. All lifeguard candidates must receive state certification and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR, including infant, child, and adult. Upcoming state lifeguard certification testing dates are available for surf and non-surf state beaches through Tuesday, July 16. 

Surf certification testing will be held at Scarborough North State Beach in Narragansett: 

  • Thursday, June 27 from 9 AM – 12 PM
  • Tuesday, July 16 from 9 – 10 AM 

Non-Surf certification testing will be held at Lincoln Woods State Park Beach in Lincoln:

  • Friday, June 28 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM
  • Friday, July 12 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM 

DEM continues to accept applications for qualified lifeguards for state beach facilities at numerous locations throughout the state. Lifeguards who submit a complete application packet including all required documents and are hired by Friday, June 28 will be eligible to receive a $500 one-time sign-on bonus. DEM is also offering lifeguards an additional $500 retention bonus at the end of the season, to support the hiring of a robust workforce. DEM has currently hired 109 lifeguards to staff state beaches and parks as this essential summer workforce recruitment momentum continues. DEM lifeguards oversee the safety and rescue of swimmers while spending time outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air at some of the Ocean State’s most beautiful places. Learn more and apply today at https://riparks.ri.gov/employment. 

DEM strongly recommends that all lifeguard candidates pre-register for a timeslot. Walk-in registrations will be accepted up to one hour prior to the last time slot, but candidates will be required to wait until an opening is available and are not guaranteed a timeslot on that testing day. Candidates must also bring a photo ID, documentation of lifeguard training, CPR, and First Aid certificate, a completed Lifeguard Certification Form, and if applicable, candidates must also bring their signed proof of endurance swim form. Candidates under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must sign the Lifeguard Certification Form for the minor applying to take the state lifeguard certification test. If they are unable to attend the test, the parent or legal guardian can sign the form in advance if the signature is notarized. Upon successful completion of the test, there is a $10 fee for the State Lifeguard Certification Card – cash, check, or credit cards are currently accepted. 

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.