Also called: Pool Lifeguard, Beach Lifeguard, Open-Water Lifeguard
Watches swimmers at pools, beaches, and waterparks and rescues people in trouble.
Lifeguards scan the water constantly, rotate stations every 30 minutes, and practice rescues. Ocean lifeguards in places like Los Angeles County are full-time professionals with excellent pay and benefits.
Based on BLS lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers, May 2024 estimates. Full-time ocean lifeguards in California can earn $80k+.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 0 years after high school. Lifeguard certification (Red Cross); ocean lifeguards need extra training.
Ways in: Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). About average growth; shortages are common.
Low risk for 10 years. AI drowning-detection cameras assist at some pools; watching and rescuing people stays human.
Age 15+. One way to start: Sign up for a Red Cross Lifeguarding course (about 25 hours) at a local pool or Y First: American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate
Classes: Physical education, Health, Biology.
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.