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Select Board approves lifeguard pay reclassification to address seasonal staffing shortages
Summary
The board approved FY27 reclassifications and wage increases for seasonal beach staff—moving lifeguards and supervisors to higher pay grades—to improve recruitment and retention; administration says the changes are within the current budget and cost roughly $60,000 annually.
The Harwich Select Board approved a proposal to reclassify lifeguard positions and raise seasonal pay to better compete for certified waterfront lifeguards in the Cape Cod labor market.
Town Administrator Jay and Program Specialist John Losi told the board that Harwich ranks near the bottom of regional seasonal pay scales and that the compressed summer season (roughly six weeks of heavy work) makes hourly wage the primary recruitment factor. John explained the requested changes: lifeguards would move from S5 to S6, assistant beach supervisors from S6 to S7, the single beach supervisor from S7 to S8, and the beach parking enforcement officer from S2 to S6. He said the changes would cover 22 lifeguard positions and that the FY27 cost is projected at about $60,000 while still leaving an estimated $40,000 turnback.
“Understaffed beaches are not an inconvenience; they are a safety and liability risk,” Jay said, emphasizing training and coordination with police, fire and the harbor master. John described the physical and certification demands for waterfront lifeguards — longer swim tests and rescue training — and cited regional comparisons showing many Harwich applicants accept higher‑paying restaurant or retail work instead.
Board members asked whether the program had been reviewed by the Recreation Commission and how the town collects beach fees; staff said the Recreation Commission had been consulted previously and that beach lots are currently cash only but the town aims to offer card payments in future seasons.
The board voted to approve the reclassification and step‑based wage progression as presented. Administration said the increase will be paid from existing budgeted seasonal workforce funds and will not require an additional appropriation.
