Occupation

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Human Advantage 68%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.4 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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

Also Known As: Aquatics Coordinator, Aquatics Lifeguard, Aquatics Specialist, Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Bus Monitor, Certified Lifeguard, Certified Ski Patroller +19 more

Video

Core Tasks

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

Supplemental Tasks (5)

  1. Observe activities in assigned areas, using binoculars, to detect hazards, disturbances, or safety infractions.
  2. Operate underwater recovery units.
  3. Provide assistance with staff selection, training, and supervision.
  4. Provide assistance in the safe use of equipment, such as ski lifts.
  5. Participate in recreational demonstrations to entertain resort guests.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job 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.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Less than a High School Diploma
39%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
21%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
17%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
16%
Some College Courses
5%
Bachelor's Degree
1%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Software (6)

  • GroupMe
  • Microsoft Publisher

Tools & Equipment (36)

  • Air splints
  • Automated external defibrillators AED
  • Avalanche beacons
  • Chair lifts
  • Chlorine testers
  • Collapsible snow shovels
  • Emergency first aid kits
  • Four wheel drive 4WD vehicles
  • Global positioning system GPS receivers
  • Handheld digital thermometers
  • Ice axes
  • Mechanical stethoscopes
  • Mercury sphygmomanometers
  • Mountain bikes
  • Navigational compasses
  • Oxygen administration sets
  • Pool vacuums
  • Public address PA systems
  • Reach poles
  • Rescue buoys
  • Rescue rappel equipment
  • Rescue rings
  • Rescue toboggans
  • Safety harnesses
  • Scuba suits
  • Snow skis
  • Snowboards
  • Snowmobiles
  • Snowshoes
  • Surfboards
  • Swim fins
  • Tow lines
  • Two way radios
  • Water samplers
  • Water testers
  • pH indicators

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Public Safety Financial Services

Zone 2
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers You are here
Zone 3
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists 91% match
Zone 4
Compliance Officers 76% match

Resume Builder

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Real Talk

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