{"id":1605,"date":"2014-08-15T10:10:00","date_gmt":"2014-08-15T10:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1605"},"modified":"2014-08-15T10:10:00","modified_gmt":"2014-08-15T10:10:00","slug":"could-you-be-a-life-lifeguard-guard-appreciating-those-who-qualify","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1605","title":{"rendered":"Could You Be a Lifeguard? Appreciating Those Who Qualify"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CHE_3885<\/a><\/p>\n

Do you take lifeguards like these two at Nantasket Beach<\/a> for granted? Was there a point in your life when you thought being a lifeguard would be a cool summer job? Do you know what you would have to prove to qualify?<\/p>\n

Lifeguard Shortage<\/h2>\n

There has been much written about the shortage of lifeguards nationwide and here in Massachusetts. The state admitted in an interview with the Boston Globe that it can't get all the lifeguards it needs. Department of Conservation and Recreation<\/a> (DCR) spokesperson S. J. Port told the Globe, "The state has seen 'a significant drop-off' in lifeguard candidates with proper training in recent years."<\/p>\n

\"CHE_3874<\/a><\/p>\n

Qualifications for a DCR Waterfront Lifeguard Position<\/h2>\n

What does it take to prove you could do this job? In additon to certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard training, you must pass a rigorous test of your ability to swim and retrieve a person in trouble in the surf. <\/p>\n

Here's the full list of requirements.<\/a> Here are the highlights:<\/p>\n

The DCR\u2019s test for pool\/inland lifeguards requires candidates to:<\/p>\n