For Release: July 22, 1997

Contact: John Faultus 277-2632

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - Do you want to be a lifeguard next summer? The RI Department of Environmental Management's Division of Parks and Recreation will administer Surf and Non-Surf Lifeguard Certification tests to certify lifeguards for 1998 during the first two weeks of August 1997.

Any candidate that passes one of these tests will be certified through September 30, 1998. Lifeguards who received a Conditional 1997 Surf or Non-Surf certification must take and pass one of these tests next month.

Surf tests for 1998 will be given daily Monday, August 4 through Friday, August 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett. Non-surf tests for 1998 will be given daily from Tuesday, August 12 through Friday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick. Wearing water shoes for the test at Goddard is recommended. No appointment is necessary. For those who pass the tests, there is a $10 fee for the 1998 State Certification Card.

In case of inclement weather, candidates should contact the facility where the tests are being given for any cancellation information: Scarborough telephone 789-2324; Goddard Park telephone 884-2010.

All lifeguard candidates must be at least 16 years old and must bring a photo ID with verification of date of birth to the test. Candidates under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign the application/waiver of liability form.

In addition, all candidates must bring and present the valid safety cards required in lifeguard training, first aid, and appropriate CPR which includes adult, infant, and child CPR training. These must be original, up to date, unaltered cards and not due to expire within 30 days.

For further information, contact DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation headquarters at 277-2632 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays; TDD 222-4462.