Also called: Pool Lifeguard, Waterpark Lifeguard
Watches swimmers at pools, waterparks, and lakes and rescues people in trouble.
Lifeguards scan their zone constantly, blow the whistle on rule-breakers, and jump in for rescues. They also do CPR and first aid. It's one of the most common first jobs for teens, starting at age 15.
Mostly hourly and seasonal.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
No formal education, about 0 years after high school. Lifeguard certification (Red Cross); minimum age 15-16.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing about average. BLS lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective workers (approx.).
Low risk for 10 years. AI drowning-detection cameras alert guards; scanning, rescuing and CPR stay human and required by law.
Age 15+. One way to start: Sign up for a Red Cross Lifeguarding course (about 25 hours over 1–2 weekends) at a local pool or Y First: American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate
Classes: PE / swimming, Health / first aid.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-9092.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.