How to become A Lifeguard

• Life-Guard
• Pool Attendant
• Beach Attendant

What do Lifeguards do?

A Lifeguard would typically need to:

• Supervise swimming activities and ensure the safety of swimmers and water sports participants as a pool or beach Lifeguard
• Monitor a recreation facility or beach and ensure swimmers adhere to standard policies, guidelines and safety procedures
• Patrol popular stretches along the coast and recommend to people when and where they can swim safely
• Monitor the sea for submerged rocks and strong currents; use safety flags and buoys to remind people of the safe zones
• Surveil the beach and inland waterways for dangerous waves and undertows as well as hazards like sharks, jellyfish or stingrays
• Prevent rough play; monitor inflatables like dinghies and local tides; be a point of contact for all beach-goers
• Assess the competency of swimmers and ensure they do not take dangerous risks
• Be on the lookout for emergencies and rescue swimmers who might be in peril with the aid of ropes, poles and torpedo buoys
• Administer first aid, rescue breathing and artificial respiration if required; educate people on water safety and give talks to school children
• Ensure the proper maintenance and safe storage of all swimming- and rescue-related equipment
• Hire out surfboards and rowing boats to the public 
• Design and organise pool activities for all age groups; provide swimming lessons, explain all safety rules and ensure they are followed, when employed as a pool Lifeguard
• Patrol the edge of the pool or observe the swimmers from the poolside lifeguard chair
• Offer advise to swimmers on the correct use of diving boards and slides
• Perform proper maintenance of the pool and add necessary chemicals and chlorine periodically; perform proper setup and operation of pool plant equipment
• Make sure the water in the pool is safe enough to swim in by periodically checking the water temperature, pH, and chlorine levels
• Remove objects and lost articles from the water, clean around the pool, showers and change rooms, supervise change areas and perform administrative duties, if necessary

Most Lifeguards work in both indoor and outdoor locations. Seasonal fluctuations may impact the choice of workplace, with more opportunities at a beach, river, lake, or outdoor pool during the summer and at an indoor pool during the winter. 

The work environment will usually be wet, noisy and humid. You will have to administer proper safety precautions like applying sunscreen to sustain prolonged exposure to the sun.

Most of the time is spent observing the swimmers either while patrolling the area or from a tall chair beside the water body or rowboats in the water. You will work as part of a team focused on the swimmers’ safety.

Lifeguards usually work full-time for 40 hours/week, but part-time/casual jobs are also quite common. You may work in shifts that include evenings, weekends and public holidays and allow for a short rest period every hour.

With Lifeguard work being seasonal, those who work at outdoor locations may need to look for alternate employment for some time during the year. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Lifeguards can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Freelancing and self-employment are viable but rarely pursued options.

Lifeguards are generally employed by: 

• Educational Institutions
• Sports Associations
• Community Centres
• Summer Camps
• Municipal Parks
• Recreational Facilities
• Beaches
• Resorts
• Health Clubs
• Residential Treatment Facilities

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Life Saving Federation, are crucial for Lifeguards interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Health issues due to extended periods of exposure to the sun, wind and inclement weather
• Emotional stress from having to be responsible for all swimmers under their purview
• Seasonal fluctuations that impact the length of employment
• Risks associated with large bodies of water
• Probability of injury while carrying out a rescue operation
• The need to remain focused on the swimmers for long periods, often in a noisy environment
• The need to deal tactfully but firmly with troublesome people

Most employers prefer applicants who have expertise in swimming and teaching others to swim safely.

An aspiring Lifeguard can also join as an apprentice and obtain hands-on experience. You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working as Lifeguards to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Typically, Lifeguards do not require formal education beyond a high school diploma. However, employers increasingly expect candidates with desirable certifications, some of which require a bachelor’s degree. 

Some employers may ask for a sports-related qualification such as an A level in PE (Physical Education) or a fitness-related NVQ (National Vocational Qualification). In addition, Lifeguards who wish to work with the elderly or disabled in treatment or care facilities may need to undergo special training. 

A 40-hour long advanced level certificate will make you proficient in standard rescue protocol as a Pool Lifeguard. You may find similar courses aimed at Lifeguards wishing to work with private leisure and health clubs. Check whether you can take the courses while still in high school.

Focus on PE in high school so you can acquire the requisite physique, stamina, swimming skills and optimal reaction time to emergencies essential to perform your duties as a Lifeguard.

It will also help you ace the prerequisite fitness tests that will fetch you accredited certifications and qualifications. English, maths and science classes will also be beneficial.

Certifications help a Lifeguard increase their chances of advancement and allow them to become an independent consultant. It enables them to demonstrate their competence in an essential skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

An advanced life-saving or water safety instructor certification from an objective and reputed organisation such as your local Red Cross or YMCA, pool and waterfront management companies or safety and risk management firms will ensure you stand out in a competitive job market. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

An accredited pool Lifeguard qualification, generally run at local pools and authorised training centres, may comprise two units. Life-saving and swimming pool supervision  cover and test your in-water, rescue and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) skills as well as the administration of AED (automated external defibrillator) and first aid. 

The second unit focuses on the practical application of supervision and rescue skills as a Pool Lifeguard. You can also acquire pool plant operative certification that includes water treatment and pool plant operation.

Individuals who are set upon becoming Beach Lifeguards must undergo accredited training in beach- and sea-rescue techniques and in managing and supervising beaches. In addition, some education providers may train the students in the use of specialist equipment such as inflatable rescue boats, rescue watercraft (jet skis) and quad bikes. All applicants may need to pass a fitness test. 

Check with your national and local education providers for more specific details regarding age and other criteria. You may also want to confirm whether some of the certifications may also make you eligible to apply for an advanced level NVQ in sport and recreation.

Since a Lifeguard’s work involves interaction with people of different ages, including children and teens, a criminal background check may also be necessary for obtaining certification. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression.

With adequate experience, Lifeguards can progress to positions such as Pool Supervisors, Pool Operators or Assistant Managers. Additional teaching or coaching qualifications will make you eligible for the role of a Swimming Instructor. Alternatively, you can branch out and take other jobs in the industry, such as Senior Recreation Assistant, Duty Manager or General Pool Manager.

Candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and certifications have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Lifeguard build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Lifeguards must take frequent refresher courses covering water safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid training. Regular renewal of desirable  certifications is tied to these refresher courses and the on-site training provided by employers.

Seasonal Affective Employment

Summer when they can work at indoor and outdoor water bodies and earn the most during the year must be a Lifeguard’s favourite season. Winters may limit them to working primarily in indoor pools.

The Current Scenario

Although there is an increasing demand for Lifeguards at mushrooming tourist and recreational facilities, the low pay scales render such jobs less attractive than the extremely competitive posts at high-paying establishments. 

Indoor pools in private clubs or large hotels pay higher wages than pools and beaches open only during summer. Full-time employees may enjoy paid holidays and vacations, health insurance and sick leave. 

Effective Communication

As a Lifeguard, your work wouldn’t be done with rescuing a person in distress. You are also responsible for calming them down. Practical communication skills help restore panicked individuals to a better frame of mind. 

In addition, one needs to be well-versed in communicating firmly but gently and tactfully the need to follow safety rules.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Lifeguards have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Lifeguard has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Rip currents account for 80 per cent of a Lifeguard’s rescue at a beach.

Although aquatic accidents are infrequent, supervision and appropriate intervention by a qualified Lifeguard is key to preventing fatal hazards and giving swimmers the best experience of their life.

Always be vigilant. Keeping your eyes glued to the water and the swimmers is essential and may help save an individual in distress.