Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Lifeguard
What lifeguards actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Perform an opening safety check of the pool and rescue equipment. From there, the day usually includes scan assigned zones continuously, enforce pool and beach rules, and perform water rescues. Many jobs are seasonal and part-time, with weekend and summer hours. Year-round indoor pools offer more steady work.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a lifeguard working full time.
- Perform an opening safety check of the pool and rescue equipment.
- Rotate to the deep-end chair and scan the zone.
- Rescue a child struggling in the deep end.
- Give first aid for a scraped knee.
- Enforce no-running rules on the deck.
- Participate in an in-service drill.
- Complete reports and close the facility.
Where lifeguards work
Lifeguards work at pools, beaches, waterparks and lakes, often in the sun and heat. Ski patrollers work outdoors in cold and snow.
Hours and schedule
Many jobs are seasonal and part-time, with weekend and summer hours. Year-round indoor pools offer more steady work.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Scan assigned zones continuously
- Enforce pool and beach rules
- Perform water rescues
- Give CPR, AED and first aid
- Check water and facility safety
- Educate swimmers about safety
- Complete incident reports
Tools you’ll use every day
- Rescue tubes
- Backboards
- AEDs
- First aid kits
- Whistles
- Rescue buoys and paddleboards
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Quick certification
- Great first job
- Outdoor work and fitness
- Pathway to EMS and firefighting
What’s hard
- Seasonal and part-time
- Sun and heat exposure
- Responsibility for lives
- Repetitive scanning
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m a strong swimmer
- I can stay focused for long periods
- I want a first job that matters
- I can act fast in emergencies
- I like being outdoors
- I’m interested in EMS or firefighting
Not sure? Take the free Lifeguard fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated
- Follow rotation schedules to stay alert
- Use rescue equipment for every rescue
- Practice emergency action plans