Range Pond State Park in Poland was busy on a sunny Monday morning despite there being no lifeguards on duty. Range is one of nine Maine State Parks for which they state was trying to hire lifeguards earlier this month. Hoping to attract more applicants for lifeguard positions, the state has raised the starting pay 25% to $14.71. “Staffing is ongoing, so things can change throughout the season,” said Jim Britt, spokesman for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “Parks will notify customers when no lifeguard is present.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Kylie Oldham of Poland, left with pink sunglasses, carries water back to where she and friends were playing Monday morning on the beach at Range Pond State Park in Poland. Range is one of nine Maine State Parks for which they state was trying to hire lifeguards earlier this month. Hoping to attract more applicants for lifeguard positions, the state has raised the starting pay 25% to $14.71. “Staffing is ongoing, so things can change throughout the season,” said Jim Britt, spokesman for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “Parks will notify customers when no lifeguard is present.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Parents keep a vigil as their children play in the water Monday morning at Range Pond State Park in Poland. Range is one of nine Maine State Parks for which they state was trying to hire lifeguards earlier this month. Hoping to attract more applicants for lifeguard positions, the state has raised the starting pay 25% to $14.71. “Staffing is ongoing, so things can change throughout the season,” said Jim Britt, spokesman for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “Parks will notify customers when no lifeguard is present.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Kylie Oldham of Poland, left with pink sunglasses, carries water back to where she and friends were playing Monday morning on the beach at Range Pond State Park in Poland. Range is one of nine Maine State Parks for which they state was trying to hire lifeguards earlier this month. Hoping to attract more applicants for lifeguard positions, the state has raised the starting pay 25% to $14.71. “Staffing is ongoing, so things can change throughout the season,” said Jim Britt, spokesman for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “Parks will notify customers when no lifeguard is present.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal