How to Become a Lifeguard?
Are you thinking of becoming a Lifeguard or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Lifeguard, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Lifeguard job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
Steps to Become a Lifeguard
If you're considering starting your Lifeguard career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Lifeguard and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Lifeguard career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Lifeguard career path, a Other in Other or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Lifeguard internship may be required to earn your Other and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What skills do you need to be a Lifeguard?
- CPR First Aid
- Guarding
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Fluent IN Spanish
- English Language
- Excellent Communication
- Job Descriptions
- Leadership
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Lifeguard, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Lifeguard field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Lifeguard specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Lifeguard
Once you've acquired a Other in Other or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Lifeguard. In general, you can become a Lifeguard after completing your 2 year Other in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Lifeguard role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified current certification.4
Advance in Your Lifeguard Career
Following entry-level, there are several Lifeguard career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Lifeguard to progress to the senior lifeguard position. Each advanced Lifeguard position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Lifeguard career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Lifeguard career path.5
Continued Education for Your Lifeguard Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Lifeguard career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a in Other can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their typically make $35,526 compared to $19,332 for those without that type of degree.Lifeguard Career Path
Lifeguard
8+Years of Experience
$32K - $50K /yrMost Likely Range
Senior Lifeguard
No Years of Experience Reports
$40K - $66K /yrMost Likely Range
Lead Lifeguard
5 - 7Years of Experience
$37K - $56K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Lifeguard Career Path
Summer Lifeguard
Lifeguard
Senior Lifeguard
Lead Lifeguard
Head Lifeguard
$20K
$32K
$44K
$56K
$80K
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Related Careers in the Military & Protective Services Industry
Interested in other Military & Protective Services careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Lifeguard skills. Discover some of the most common Lifeguard career transitions, along with skills overlap.