Occupations33-9092.00

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

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

Median annual pay
$33,720

BLS, 2024

Employment
149,700

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+5.8%

2024–34

Annual openings
42,700

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
  2. 02Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
  3. 03Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
  4. 04Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
  5. 05Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
  6. 06Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
  7. 07Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
  8. 08Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.
  9. 09Inspect recreational equipment, such as rope tows, T-bars, J-bars, or chair lifts, for safety hazards and damage or wear.
  10. 10Inspect recreational facilities for cleanliness.
  11. 11Observe activities in assigned areas, using binoculars, to detect hazards, disturbances, or safety infractions.
  12. 12Operate underwater recovery units.

Capabilities

Essential skills

MonitoringSpeakingActive ListeningLearning StrategiesCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionActive LearningWritingScienceMathematics

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 149,700 in 2024 to 158,400 in 2034, a +5.8% change.

BLS projects an average of 42,700 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.