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Lifeguard

Quick Facts

Median Salary$31,524
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+19.64%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Lifeguard watches swimming areas and provides for the safety of swimmers at pools, lakes and beaches. Maintains careful watch of people in the water, enforces safety rules at swimming places; rescues swimmers and treats accidents as needed.


Core Tasks:

  • 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.
  • Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
  • Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
  • Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
  • Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
  • Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
  • Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.
  • Inspect recreational equipment, such as rope tows, T-bars, J-bars, or chair lifts, for safety hazards and damage or wear.
  • Inspect recreational facilities for cleanliness.

What to expect as a Lifeguard

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

24% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Lifeguard related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

4168 openings for Lifeguards

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Lifeguard. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.