In an effort to deal with a huge shortage of lifeguards in the state of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul announced last week that those who work as lifeguards for the state will receive a nice pay raise.

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Governor Hochul is giving lifeguards who work at Upstate facilities a 34 percent pay raise which means that instead of being paid $14.95 an hour, they will now be paid $20.00 an hour.

Downstate lifeguards will also be getting a pay raise but the percentage bump won't be quite as much as Upstate lifeguards. Downstate lifeguards will see an increase of 21 percent, taking their pay from $18.15 an hour to $22.00 an hour.

Governor Hochul says that she hopes the increase in pay will entice more qualified individuals to apply for open lifeguard positions which are severely understaffed right now at New York State Park beaches and pools which are located in 70 different parks all across the state as well as at the 17 beaches in New York which are operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

New Yorkers deserve to be able to enjoy their local parks, beaches, and pools and Governor Hochul said, "With a lifeguard shortage threatening access to swimming facilities, we are aggressively recruiting more lifeguards to ensure safe access to outdoor recreation during the summer months."

The pay raise for lifeguards is effective immediately for lifeguards at the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation swimming facilities. Included in the immediate pay raise are lifeguards who SUNY and CUNY employ.

Additionally, the pay rate will also increase by five to 30 percent for lifeguards who have more than two seasons of experience but will be dependent on their location and experience.

If you have the qualifications to be a lifeguard and would like to learn how to apply for a lifeguard position with the state of New York, be sure to visit the state's Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation webpage.

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