Lifeguard
What is the work like?
Lifeguards make sure that swimmers are safe in swimming pools, or in the sea or inland waterways. They help to prevent accidents by being constantly alert to identify dangerous situations.
As a pool lifeguard you would:
- patrol the edge of the pool or sit on a raised observation deck or elevated chair at the poolside to keep a close watch on the pool and pool users
- look out for swimmers in difficulties
- stop behaviour which could be dangerous
- use life-saving techniques, such as resuscitation, in emergencies
- give general first aid
- check water temperature, pH and chlorine levels
- set up equipment
- advise swimmers on the use of the diving boards and slides.
As a beach lifeguard you would:
- supervise users of beaches and inland waterways
- advise people where and when they can swim safely
- make sure people stay in safe areas
- prevent accidents by identifying hazards and taking preventative measures
- apply life-saving techniques in emergencies
- provide a point of contact for people on the beach
- apply basic first aid if necessary.
Many beach lifeguards are volunteers who work at weekends and on public holidays.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You must be aged 16 or over (18 or over for beach lifeguard), physically fit and a strong swimmer.
Pool lifeguard
To be a pool lifeguard you will need one of the following qualifications:
- the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
- the National Aquatic Rescue Standard (NaRS): Pool Lifeguard.
Both of these are internationally recognised.
The NPLQ is awarded by Lifesavers the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS), the UK governing body for lifesaving and life-guarding. To take this qualification you should:
- have reached a good standard of swimming
- preferably have some experience of lifesaving – it could be useful to take some of the RLSS lifesaving awards.
You can attend NPLQ courses at approved centres based at local swimming pools. Visit the RLSS website for details of RLSS lifesaving awards, the NPLQ and the centres where these qualifications are available.
The NaRS qualifications are awarded by the Swimming Teachers' Association (STA), and include:
- STA Level 2 Certificate for National Rescue Standard – Pool Attendant
- STA Level 2 Certificate for National Rescue Standard – Poolside Helper
- STA Level 2 Certificate for National Rescue Standard – Pool Lifeguard.
See the STA website for details.
You may be able to find a job as a pool attendant or assistant and then work towards qualifications.
Beach lifeguard
To be a beach lifeguard you will need one of the following qualifications:
- RLSS National Beach Lifeguard Qualification
- National Aquatic Rescue Standard (NaRS): Beach Lifeguard.
You can complete the qualifications in either of the following ways:
- join a local RLSS Lifeguard club or SLSA GB Life Saving club as a volunteer and train with them
- train through a commercial training organisation.
Visit the SLSA GB and RLSS websites for details of Life Saving and Lifeguard clubs, and training providers.
Once you are qualified, you can apply for work with local authorities or with the RNLI.
To work for the RNLI you must meet the following standards of fitness:
- 200m pool swim in 3.5 minutes
- 400m pool swim in 7.5 minutes
- 25m pool swim underwater followed by 25m surface swim in 50 seconds
- 200m beach run in 40 seconds.
You would have to demonstrate these as part of an interview.
What further training and development can I do?
Your National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or National Aquatic Rescue Standard (NaRS) qualification will be valid for 24 months. After this you must have your lifesaving and first aid skills assessed before your qualification is renewed.
As a lifeguard, you could work towards NVQ Level 2 in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations. The NPQL and NaRS can be used as evidence towards the NVQ.
As a beach lifeguard with the RNLI, you would receive training in the use of specialist equipment like inflatable rescue boats, rescue watercraft (jet skis) and quad bikes.
Where can I go for more information?
Castlewood House77-91 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1PX
Advice line: 08000 933300
Birch Street
Walsall
West Midlands
WS2 8HZ
Tel: 01922 645097
Poole
Dorset
BH15 1HZ
Tel: 01202 663553
19 Southernhay West
Exeter
EX1 1PJ
Tel: 01392 218007
High Street
Broom
Warwickshire
B50 4HN
Tel: 01789 773994
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Typical salaries for full-time lifeguards are from £11,500 to around £14,000 a year.
Many lifeguards are part-time and are paid an hourly rate, which can range from £6 to around £9 an hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a full-time lifeguard, you would usually work around 37 hours a week, including weekends, evenings and public holidays. However, many lifeguards work part-time or on a casual basis, or are volunteers.
As a beach lifeguard you would work seasonally, usually during daylight hours only.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent observation skills
- a good level of concentration
- the ability to remain calm and inspire confidence
- the ability to communicate clearly, precisely and with authority, especially in an emergency
- a tactful but firm approach with people who are breaking safety rules
- good team working ability.
What opportunities are there?
You could be employed as a pool lifeguard by local authorities, leisure centres, private clubs, hotels and holiday centres. You could also find opportunities in holiday centres and hotels overseas.
With experience, you could progress to supervisor or assistant management positions at leisure centres. Some pool lifeguards gain swimming teaching or coaching qualifications and give swimming lessons.
As a beach lifeguard you could be employed by the RNLI or by local authorities.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Leisure Jobs
Leisure Opportunities
Surf Life Saving
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