Pool/Beach Lifeguard

Lifeguards patrol places where the public go swimming including indoor and outdoor pools, beaches and lakes. They are responsible for making sure that people are safe in and near the water.

Pool lifeguard duties include:

• keeping a close watch over the pool and the pool users
• anticipating problems and preventing accidents by keeping a keen eye out for swimmers in difficulties
• intervening to prevent behaviour which is unsafe
• identifying emergencies quickly and taking appropriate action
• carrying out rescues from the water using life-saving aids such as ropes, poles and torpedo buoys
• giving immediate first aid to any casualty.

Beach lifeguards work in teams patrolling popular stretches of the coast, advising people when and where they can swim safely and making rescues when necessary.

A key task is to make sure that people do not stray outside safe areas where there may be hazards, such as submerged rocks and strong currents. These areas are often marked out using a series of flags on the beach or are roped off using buoys.

They need to pay special attention to inflatables such as dinghies, which can be easily carried out to sea. They also need to know about local tides.

They normally work five days a week. This includes evenings, weekends and public holidays and may involve shift work. Lifeguards often work on a casual basis or as volunteers. Work for beach lifeguards is seasonal.

Most pool lifeguards work indoors; the pool area is wet, noisy and humid. Beach lifeguards work outdoors.

Full-time salaries range from £11,500 a year to £15,000 or more. Lifeguards working on a casual basis are usually paid between £6 and £9 an hour.

Lifeguards should:

• be strong swimmers and physically fit
• have good vision and hearing
• have a knowledge of first aid
• be able to concentrate for long periods, often in noisy environments
• be observant
• be able to think and act quickly
• be able to cope calmly in an emergency
• communicate with members of the public effectively and with authority
• be able to deal with difficult people firmly but tactfully
• work well in a team.

There are over 75,000 qualified lifeguards in the UK, working in public swimming pools, leisure centres, schools, colleges, hotels, holiday centres and private fitness centres. In addition, there are around 1,000 beach lifeguards. Beach lifeguards work on popular stretches of the coast across the UK and are employed by local authorities or private companies.

Pool lifeguards must be at least 16 years old and beach lifeguards at least 18. Candidates must also have a recognised lifeguard qualification.

Pool lifeguards can move on to become pool supervisors, swimming teachers or coaches. They can also take other jobs in the leisure industry, such as senior recreation assistant, duty manager, or general pool manager. There may be opportunities to work abroad.

Further details