Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers
SOC Code: 33-9092Also known as:
Aquatics Coordinator, Aquatics Lifeguard, Aquatics Specialist, Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard
Median Annual Salary
$33,720
+5.8% growth (2024-2034)
43K
Openings/Year
150K
Current Jobs
What Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers Do
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.
💰 Salary
$33,720
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.8%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
43K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
149,700
Projected Employment (2034)
158,400
Related Careers
Emergency medical technicians
$41,340 •
+5.1% growth
Firefighters
$59,530 •
+3.4% growth
Security guards
$38,370 •
+0.4% growth
Recreation workers
$35,380 •
+4.1% growth
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency medical technicians
$34,330 •
-1.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
- Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
- 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.
- Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
- Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers:
Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services
224 degrees awarded •
21 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers make?
The median annual salary for lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers is $33,720.
What education do lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers need?
Most lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services.
Is becoming lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers a good career choice?
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers is projected to see +5.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 42,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers?
Top colleges for aspiring lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers include
Texas Tech University, South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Skagit Valley College, Red Rocks Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers?
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers may also be known as: Aquatics Coordinator, Aquatics Lifeguard, Aquatics Specialist, Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Bus Monitor, Certified Lifeguard, Certified Ski Patroller, Gamewell Operator, Life Guard, Lifeguard, Marine Safety Officer, Ocean Lifeguard, Ocean Lifeguard Specialist, OEC Tech (Outdoor Emergency Care Technician), Park Ranger, Playground Monitor, Pool Attendant, Pool Lifeguard, Pool Monitor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.