Lifeguards are found at resorts, beaches, on cruise ships, at hotel pools, amusement parks, public pools, and almost any place with water nearby including harbors and lakes!

They are an integral part of water safety, which means you will find them at thousands of locations where people are enjoying water.

Lifeguard Job Duties

Lifeguards are responsible for enforcing water safety regulations and rescuing swimmers in distress. However, lifeguard jobs come with a number of other important responsibilities as well, including: communication with the Coast Guard and other safety officials, regulating occupancy numbers, giving swimming lessons, monitoring water equipment safety, cleaning the pool area, and assisting with medical emergencies. The duties of a lifeguard vary depending on the location. For example, a pool lifeguard will have a different set of responsibilities than a beach lifeguard who must watch for undertows, swimmers who venture too far from shore, regulated swimming locations, boats, and even wildlife. Lifeguards must also be good at conflict mediation because inevitably, they will be required to send unruly kids or adults off the premises due to dangerous or illegal activity.

Application Requirement

Regardless of your duties there are a few qualifications every lifeguard must meet. Guards must be excellent swimmers, a quality that is absolutely essential to the position. They must also pass a lifesaving certification course and have current CPR and first aid training. These tests and preparatory classes are usually conducted at locations all over the country, often by local chapters of the Red Cross. You can even find certifications available online. Many resorts and hotels will run certification classes seasonally to ensure their lifeguards and safety officials are up to speed on current water safety and lifesaving techniques.

Most lifeguards will also need to pass a swimming test in order to ensure they can handle the requirements of their position during an emergency.

Some of the other qualifications of a lifeguard are a keen eye for details and patience. Because actual water rescues are few and far between, a lot of shifts as a lifeguard can be boring or dull. It is crucial that all staff members pay close attention to pool patrons and be ready at any time to attend to an emergency. However, because the average day for a lifeguard is fairly uneventful, a long and relaxing summer while you cultivate a good tan can be expected.

Lifeguard Salary

Salaries will vary depending on your location. Generally lifeguards at state parks and private resorts will earn more than those at the local YMCA or public pool.

State park lifeguards can earn as much as $16 an hour but are also required to have more experience and extensive certifications. Private resorts and beach lifeguards earn closer to $12 an hour and public pool or amusement park lifeguards will earn minimum wage.

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