How to become a lifeguard, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers

Q: How do I become a lifeguard, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers?

The typical entry-level education is usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..

Q: How much does a lifeguard, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers make?

The median pay in the United States is $33,580 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025).

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

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.Typical entry-level education

$33,580Median pay a year

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers do

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.
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.

Skills that matter most

Monitoring
Speaking
Active Listening
Learning Strategies
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning
Writing

Is lifeguard, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 34% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

District of Columbia $60,400
Hawaii $52,630
California $42,720
Washington $37,770
Montana $37,750

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.