Lifeguard (city / state beaches & pools)

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

O*NET definition of Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers (SOC 33-9092) · Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers (SOC 33-9092) naming each level as required to be hired, 33 respondents, O*NET survey August 2020. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Recreational protective service workers typically do not need formal education to enter the occupation. To qualify for jobs, candidates usually need athletic ability in a related recreational sport, such as swimming, skiing, or biking. Certification is often required.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Recreational Protective Service Workers”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Lifeguard (city / state beaches & pools) in 13 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 13 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.4.8
2. Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.4.8
3. Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.4.7
4. Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.4.7
5. Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.4.3
6. Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.4.3
7. Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.4.3
8. Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.4.1
9. Inspect recreational equipment, such as rope tows, T-bars, J-bars, or chair lifts, for safety hazards and damage or wear.4.0
10. Inspect recreational facilities for cleanliness.3.6

The 10 most important of 10 core tasks for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2020.