Hersheypark Lifeguards: Going for the Gold
If you think a summer lifeguard job is just about getting a good tan, you haven’t met Scott Silar, Aquatics Manager at Hersheypark. Scott has been keeping guests safe in the water since The Boardwalk at Hersheypark opened in 2007, a year that marked the Park’s 100th season.
Currently, Scott and a team of more than 250 lifeguards oversee water safety at the Park’s 13 water attractions. Water safety is taken very seriously at Hersheypark and this year, for the first time, Governor Tom Wolf proclaimed May as Water Safety Month in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - an acknowledgment that pleases Scott very much.
Being a lifeguard at Hersheypark is about more than just getting a tan.
Being a Hersheypark lifeguard is an honor and a privilege and Scott makes sure that each lifeguard has the training necessary to do the best job possible. Hersheypark partners with Jeff Ellis and Associates (E&A). Founded in 1983, E&A is now considered the leader in water park safety.
At E&A, the training doesn’t end after the initial classroom and pool classes. Lifeguards are mandated to continue their training and are subject to random audits that test their skills. The Boardwalk opens Memorial Day weekend and closes on Labor Day; each lifeguard is required to keep their skills at peak performance throughout the entire season.
All the training and dedication pays off. The Hersheypark Lifeguard Team has earned the prestigious Gold International Aquatic Safety Award, presented by E&A.
In addition to the prestige of the Gold Award, there are several benefits to being a Hersheypark lifeguard. The uniform is provided by the Park and there are choices in what you are able to wear: swimming suit or board shorts, hat or visor. And, the Park’s Wardrobe Department ensues that each guard is fitted properly and that their uniform is laundered and ready to go for each shift. In addition, guards have their training paid and they are paid their hourly wage during training. Now that’s SWEET!
For more information about becoming a member of the Lifeguard Team at Hersheypark visit www.Hersheypark.com/jobs. For more information about Hersheypark, visit Hersheypark.com, follow Hersheypark on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Join the conversation using #Hersheypark.