Protective Service
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Also called: Beach Attendant, Beach Lifeguard, Lifeguard, Marine Safety Officer
US median pay
$33,580
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.5%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
45,400
162,000 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.4/5
- Service Orientation3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Instructing2.8/5
- Persuasion2.5/5
- Time Management2.4/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Public Safety and Security3.6/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Education and Training3.1/5
- Medicine and Dentistry3.0/5
- Psychology3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Less than high school39%
- High school diploma21%
- Post-secondary certificate17%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.