Job description
Lifeguards monitor and supervise patrons of beaches, public swimming pools, water parks, and spa and recreational centers. They enforce safety rules and are trained to identify and prevent dangerous situations, and spot and rescue distressed swimmers.
Duties
- Monitor patrons and the overall environment to anticipate risks and respond to emergencies
- Offer general information on pool operations to visitors
- Provide swimming lessons to people who request assistance
- Keep equipment, like backboards and rescue tubes, available and safe
- Open or close the premises each day, depending on the lifeguard’s shift
- Administer first aid in the event of an accident
- Inform swimmers of any unsafe practices or safety hazards
- Maintain order in the swimming area or the overall premises to prevent injuries
- Facilitate the cleanliness and overall maintenance of the swimming area
- Use water testing kits and record findings to determine chlorine and pH levels
- Complete necessary paperwork
- Abide by an emergency action plan and make sure everyone follows it
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
8%
New jobs
11.7k
Automation risk
67%
Career progression
With experience, you can move into fitness coaching, swimming teaching or sports health roles. You could also train and lead a team of lifeguards. Enrolling in management, health or sports courses, meanwhile, can be beneficial as you progress in your career.
Working conditions
Average hours
37h/ week
Typical schedule
Shift Work
On a rota
Most lifeguards work outdoors – the exception being recreational centers, spas and indoor public swimming areas – and in all weather conditions, from hot to mild, from scattered showers to heavy winds. Lifeguards are on shift work and they can carry out their duties and responsibilities on early mornings, evenings, weekends and peak seasons (spring break, summer and Christmas).
Salary
Bottom 10%
$18k
Median
$22k
Top 10%
$34k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
N/A
Lifeguard certification training
Study time
N/A
Although no formal education is required to become a lifeguard, a college degree in a related field can prove to be a distinct advantage. You will, however, need to complete lifeguard certification training from the American Red Cross or the American Lifeguard Association, which generally consists of training in first aid, CPR/AED and basic protocol.
Sources
American Lifeguard Association American National Red Cross Bureau of Labor Statistics Bureau of Labor Statistics O*NET Online Oxford Martin SchoolLast Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
