The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is seeking lifeguards for the summer season at state parks, including Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme.

The starting salary has been increased to $16 an hour, and training time is paid. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. five days a week, with most weekends and the July 4 holiday mandatory. The minimum age is 16 for lifeguards and 18 for lifeguard supervisors.

"It's a very rewarding position that teaches many valuable life skills such as leadership and responsibility, communication, and being part of a team, all skills that are valuable for future employment opportunities," Mason Trumble, DEEP's deputy commissioner of environmental conservation, said in a news release. "Plus, your 'office' would be some of the most beautiful locations in the state."

Positions also are available at the following state parks: Black Rock in Watertown, Burr Pond in Torrington, Hammonasset Beach in Madison, Indian Well in Shelton, Sherwood Island in Westport, Silver Sands in Milford and Squantz Pond in New Fairfield.

The application deadline is June 17, and people can apply by visiting bit.ly/ctlifeguards. For more information, contact Sarah Battistini at sarah.battistini@ct.gov or (860) 418-5958.

Battistini told Fox 61 that DEEP is facing challenges, with a lot of entities looking for lifeguards. She said one hurdle was that people needed to come in with Red Cross training, but now DEEP is providing the training at no charge.