Lifeguard
Career outlook for lifeguard
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£15,000
£15,000
Experienced
£22,000
£22,000
Currently employed in Scotland
6,200
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would keep people safe at swimming pools, beaches, rivers and lakes. You’d take charge in emergencies and rescue people from drowning.
You’d observe and supervise swimming areas to prevent accidents. You would make sure swimmers are aware of dangerous situations and avoid hazards.
You’d need to be able to concentrate for long periods and act calmly and decisively in emergencies. People in an accident might be scared or panicking so you’d calm them down and communicate with them as clearly as possible.
As a pool lifeguard you would:
- Patrol the edge of the pool or watch the swimmers from a chair raised up on stilts at the poolside
- Advise swimmers about using the diving boards and slides
- Stop behaviour which could be dangerous
- Look out for swimmers who get into difficulties
- Give first aid
- Use life-saving techniques in emergencies
- Check water temperature, pH and chlorine levels
- Set up pool equipment
As a beach lifeguard you would:
- Be a point of contact for people on the beach
- Advise people where and when they can swim safely
- Supervise users of beaches and inland waterways
- Monitor sea conditions and set up appropriate safety flags
- Make sure people stay in safe areas
- Give basic first aid if necessary
- Use life-saving techniques in emergencies
Sometimes you would tell people to stop breaking the safety rules; you’d need to be tactful and polite but also firm.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
29%
Part-time
61%
Self employed
10%
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Find a jobTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Positive attitude
- Taking responsibility
- Making decisions
- Risk taking
- Self esteem
- Attention to detail
- Listening
- Verbal communication
- Cooperating
- Empathising
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Qualifications
You would need a lifeguard qualification:
- the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) from Lifesavers, the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS)
- or the level 2 Certificate for National Rescue Standard - Pool Lifeguard (NaRS PL) awarded by the Swimming Teachers' Association.
Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment. Once you gain a lifeguard qualification you must renew it every two years.
To be submitted for a renewal assessment you must provide written evidence of having completed a minimum 20 hours lifesaving, CPR and first aid training within the two year validity period. Ongoing training should be provided by employers.
Useful subjects
- English
- Maths
- Physical education
- Health & food technologies
- Science subjects such as human biology
You will also need
To be a strong confident swimmer.
Helpful to have
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate physically fitness (particular swimming ability), helping customers and the ability to deal with emergency situations such as Skills for Work Sports and Recreation (SCQF level 4/5).