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Career Profile

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

What they do:

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

Also Called:

Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Lifeguard, Marine Safety Officer, Ocean Lifeguard, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist, Pool Attendant, Pool Lifeguard, Ski Patrol Paramedic, Ski Patroller, Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Lifeguard, Marine Safety Officer, Ocean Lifeguard, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist, Pool Attendant, Pool Lifeguard, Ski Patrol Paramedic, Ski Patroller

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$25,780
Starting Salary (2025)
$33,580
Median Salary (2025)
5.8%
Projected Job Growth
157,550
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Social
Working with people
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Cooperation
Concern for Others
Stress Tolerance
Self-Control
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Monitoring
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Active Listening
Learning Strategies

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Performing General Physical Activities

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Less than high school 39%
  • High school diploma 21%
  • Post-secondary certificate 17%
  • Associate's degree 16%
  • Some college 5%
  • Other 1%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Firefighters
Emergency Medical Technicians
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.