Lifeguards
Overview
Lifeguards keep people safe at pools, beaches, and recreational areas by watching for potential dangers and responding quickly to emergencies. They patrol areas on foot or from observation towers, perform rescues using specialized equipment, and provide first aid or CPR when needed. Modern lifeguards use advanced communication systems, water testing equipment, and digital incident reporting tools while working as part of safety teams. This career requires strong swimming skills, CPR certification, and often leads to opportunities in emergency services, recreation management, or aquatic therapy.
Did you know?
Most lifeguard positions in America are seasonal summer jobs, requiring workers to seek alternative employment during off-season months.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$31,854.51 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Science
Key Responsibilities
- Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
- Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
- Inspect recreational equipment, such as rope tows, T-bars, J-bars, or chair lifts, for safety hazards and damage or wear.
- Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
- Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
- Provide assistance with staff selection, training, and supervision.
- Observe activities in assigned areas, using binoculars, to detect hazards, disturbances, or safety infractions.
- Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
- Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.
- Participate in recreational demonstrations to entertain resort guests.
- Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
- Provide assistance in the safe use of equipment, such as ski lifts.
- Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
- Operate underwater recovery units.
- Inspect recreational facilities for cleanliness.
Career Considerations
Seasonal Employment
Most lifeguard positions in America are seasonal summer jobs, requiring workers to seek alternative employment during off-season months.
Certification Requirements
Lifeguards must obtain and regularly renew certifications in CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding through organizations like the American Red Cross.
Physical Demands and Liability
The role requires excellent swimming abilities, physical fitness, and carries significant legal responsibility for patron safety in aquatic environments.