Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Also called: Lifeguards
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.
Also called: Aquatics Coordinator, Aquatics Lifeguard, Aquatics Specialist, Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Bus Monitor
Median pay
$33,580
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$25,780 – $43,970
People employed
157,550
Holland code
RSC
Realistic · Social · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 4.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Work outdoors in all weather
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary in every state →
What lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers do
- 01Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
- 02Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
- 03Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
- 04Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
- 05Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
- 06Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Medicine and Dentistry
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
- Self-Control
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians86% · +6%
- Orderlies83% · +14%
- Firefighters81% · +77%
- Paramedics79% · +80%
- Physical Therapist Aides77% · +5%
Change into lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians83% · $35,450
- Orderlies77% · $38,290
- Physical Therapist Aides77% · $35,240
- Animal Caretakers76% · $35,360
- Shampooers75% · $32,600
Majors that lead here
- Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.