FAQ
Lifeguard FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a lifeguard.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a lifeguard: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about lifeguards
How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?
Many programs certify lifeguards at 15 or 16.
How long is lifeguard training?
Often one to two weeks or a few weekends.
Is lifeguarding seasonal?
Many jobs are summer jobs, though indoor pools hire year-round.
How much does a lifeguard make?
The median annual wage for lifeguards was $33,580 ($16.14 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $25,780 and the highest 10% earned more than $43,970.
How long does it take to become a lifeguard?
Most people need about 1–2 weeks of training. No formal education is required. Lifeguards complete a certification course that includes swimming prerequisites, rescue skills, CPR/AED and first aid.
Do you need a degree to be a lifeguard?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is lifeguard a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +5.5% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 45,400 openings each year. Upsides include quick certification; a common challenge is that seasonal and part-time.
What skills does a lifeguard need?
Key technical skills include water rescue skills, cpr and aed, first aid, and surveillance and scanning. Employers also value alertness, quick decision making, and communication.
What certifications are available for lifeguards?
Common credentials include American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Ellis & Associates or YMCA lifeguard certification, USLA open water lifeguard certification, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI). Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Lifeguard fit quiz, compare with Emergency Medical Technician, or explore Lifeguard training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 33-9092 (Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.