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The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has implemented changes to the lifeguard certification process to make it easier for candidates to apply. DEM hopes the changes will increase the number of lifeguard applicants and its ability to keep beaches supervised and protected. This will be a multiyear process, and DEM will be implementing the following two changes before the traditional full certification test in August.

Lifeguards who currently hold a full certification due to expire on Sept. 30, 2022 will be exempt from taking a test this month. DEM will be extending the expiration of a current state certification until June 15, 2023. These eligible candidates will receive notification for their records.

Lifeguards who presently hold a conditional certification are still required to attend the August certification. However, these candidates will be tested only on the swim portion. They will not need to demonstrate rescue skills at that time.

Certification for 2023 will take place in the spring of 2023 and require a demonstration of rescue skills and the completion of the endurance swim. The endurance swim may be performed in a pool before the certification or may be completed at the time of the certification testing in the spring of 2023. There will no longer be any testing in August after 2022.

Changes to the process that will take effect in 2023:

For more information, call 401-667-6200 or email DEM.RIparks@dem.ri.gov.

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