By Tamas Mondovics
Hillsborough County Parks Recreation and Conservation Department is once again looking for part-time lifeguards to serve at two of its parks offering a great way for many to spend their summer while making some money.
County officials announced that both E.G. Simmons Park and Lithia Springs Park are seeking lifeguards for the summer season, which typically begin as the public school year ends. With this year’s pay increase to $10.06 per hour, its not a bad deal either.
“Its a great time to start now, get certified and be ready for the season,” County spokesperson Marti Ryan said.
To qualify, candidates must be at least 16 years of age and a current high-school student, high school graduate, or must possess a GED Certification.
Candidates must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification, current American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification and a current American Red Cross First Aid Certification.
“Training to obtain the required American Red Cross Lifeguard Certifications can be obtained through Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation,” Ryan said.
E.G. Simmons Park, located three miles north of Ruskin, has been a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts since the mid-1960s. It was developed from 258 acres of native mangroves and open land intertwined with waterways. An additional 200 acres of mangrove swamp has been preserved as a bird and wildlife sanctuary. A public beach provides visitors with a perfect setting for sunbathing and swimming, while a boat launch gives access for saltwater fishing and boating.
The 160-acre Lithia Springs Park, located on the Alafia River, also offers varied plant communities, river cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks and high sand hills. Its major attraction is the natural spring that provides an excellent swimming experience as the water temperature remains at 72 degrees Farenheight year around. Lithia Springs is also a popular camping spot with 40 sites and two shower houses.
A job description and lifeguard application can be found online at www.HillsboroughCounty.org/jobapp. For additional information, contact E.G. Simmons Park, 671-7655, or Lithia Springs Park, 744-5572.
