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Career

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Typical education: High school diplomaModerate pressure Bright Outlook

What they do

Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.
  • Social: Helping, teaching, caring for and supporting other people.
  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.

Moderate pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $33,580 Median per year · $16.14/hr Most earn $25,780–$43,970

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Participate in recreational demonstrations to entertain resort guests.
  • Operate underwater recovery units.
  • Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
  • Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
  • Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
  • Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.

Job outlook

Bright Outlook Rapid Growth

United States
6% more jobs by 2035, faster than average · about 45,400 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals34.3%
  • Fitness and recreational sports centers21.6%
  • Civic and social organizations11.8%
  • Amusement parks and arcades8.4%
  • Elementary and secondary schools2.3%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: None

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: NoneEntry-level

This is an entry-level job. Most people start with a high school diploma and a lifeguard or first-aid certification, and they usually need no prior work experience, so you could be on the job within a few months of finishing school.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Finish high school with good swimming and first-aid skills, which are the basics employers look for in lifeguards and patrol workers.

  2. Lifeguard or first-aid certification

    1-2 months

    Complete a lifeguard training course that covers water rescue, CPR, and first aid, since most pools, beaches, and ski areas require it before you can work.

  3. Lifeguard, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Worker

    Ongoing

    Watch over pool, beach, or slope visitors, prevent accidents, and respond quickly when someone needs help.

Where it can lead

  1. Lifeguard Supervisor

    1-3 years of experience first

    You take on scheduling, training new guards, and handling emergencies for the whole facility, which usually requires a strong safety record and good leadership.

  2. Recreation Worker

    1-2 years of experience first

    You plan and run recreation programs for people of all ages, and this role usually calls for a bachelor's degree in a related field such as recreation or physical education.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take health and physical education classesThese classes teach first aid, CPR basics, and safety habits that you will use every day as a lifeguard.
  • Build your swimming skillsStrong swimming ability is the foundation of this job, and joining a school or community swim team helps you improve.
  • Get certified in CPR and first aidMany schools and community centers offer these courses to teens, and having them on your resume makes you a stronger applicant.
  • Volunteer at a pool or community centerHelping with swim lessons or events shows employers you are responsible and comfortable around water and crowds.
  • Apply for a summer job at a pool or campStarter jobs like pool attendant or camp helper give you hands-on experience and a reference for lifeguard roles.

In college

  • Get lifeguard and first-aid certificationsCertifications are often required for hiring, and they let you work part-time while you study.
  • Take a campus job at the recreation center or poolWorking around the facility gives you real experience with safety rules, supervision, and emergency response.
  • Study recreation, exercise science, or physical educationThese majors build knowledge of safety and programming that helps if you want to move into supervisory or recreation roles later.
  • Work a seasonal job at a ski area or beachSeasonal work during breaks gives you experience in outdoor settings and helps you learn how patrol teams operate.
  • Join a student club like a swim team or outdoor recreation groupThese groups build teamwork and skills, and they show employers you stay active in your community.

Tips for getting started

  • Get your lifeguard and CPR certifications before you apply, since many employers will only hire people who already have them.
  • Look for seasonal jobs at local pools, beaches, or ski areas, because that is where most people get their first experience.
  • Practice your swimming and stay calm under pressure, since these are the skills that matter most on the job.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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