Connecticut Attempts to Lure Lifeguards With $19 Per Hour Starting Pay

Where the hell is my zinc oxide when I need it?

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I really don't like dating myself if it can be avoided, but it can't in this situation. When I was young, a lifeguard position paid 5-7 dollars an hour. But times have changed a lot, and CT is in desperate need of lifeguards so they are willing to pay.

According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), lifeguard positions are open all over the Nutmeg State, and some are paying $19 per hour to start.

The post on the main page of their Lifeguard program has the following message:

"SUMMER POSITIONS OPEN. PAY STARTS AT $19!

Come work with us on the beach. We work as a team and form lasting friendships. All training is paid and we include free certifications. Do a summer job that matters, and master life skills of leadership, communication and teamwork. Great for resumes and college applications!" 

Then, they give a list of places where they are hiring, this is the list below:

Greater Fairfield/Stamford/Norwalk Area

• Lifeguard - Indian Wells State Park, Shelton
• Lifeguard - Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
• Lifeguard - Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield

Greater New Haven/Milford Area

• Lifeguard - Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
• Lifeguard - Silver Sands State Park, Milford

Greater New London/Norwich Area

• Lifeguard - Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme

Greater Torrington Area

• Lifeguard - Burr Pond, State Park, Torrington

Greater Waterbury Area

• Lifeguard - Black Rock State Park, Watertown

We've come a long, long way together. Let's give it up for the job market right now! We're all doing a lot for each other by not settling for jobs that don't pay well. The American worker has taken just a little bit of power back from the nation's employers. On the flipside, it's created some dangerous holes in our national work force, both in the public and private sector.

P.S. I thought this was a super cool thing for young people who are certified lifeguards or are looking to become lifeguards. You can earn a fun summer job that pays pretty well. I was particularly excited to see New Fairfield's Squantz Pond State Park on the list. This is right in the listening area for I-95, and the Ethan and Lou Morning Show.

I was going to make a big deal out of it and start engaging our younger listeners in a segment on the show. I wanted to pretend to interview them for a lifeguard position at the park, as if we had the authority to do so. This would have been funny and drawn the a lot of attention to the position or positions.

And THEEEENNNN, I clicked on the New Fairfield link and became confused. Located at the top of the page is this info grid.

In case it's too small, that says $19-21 per hour, as advertised. BUT, at the bottom of the same page it says this.

That says $16-17 per hour. 

Look, mistakes and typos happen so if that is the case, we all move on with our lives and everyone is happy. However, if it turns out, it's not a mistake, what is going on?

Are we doing a "bait and switch?" Is New Fairfield's Squantz Pond State Park a cheap outlier? Are they ignoring the recommendations of the state? Is this the Government pulling another fast one on America's youth? Or, did I misread some of the fine print (possible)? I want answers, I want the truth.....,.