" I grew up in the water. We had a neighborhood pool and we would be there when it opened and hang out until it closed. Everyone was on a swim team, either through the neighborhood or through the school. So, of course, the natural next step was for some of us to swim competitively, some of us to coach, and some to become a lifeguard. I like being a lifeguard because it allows me to work at a pool, a water park, a beach, or a lake. I do love pools, but I really love being outdoors and in nature. Working in a state park is a summer job that lets me use my skills in a place where I can also use time off to hike, camp, ride my bike or just paddleboard and swim. I have had a couple of emergencies on the job, but you’re mostly just keeping watch over families enjoying their time in the water. It lets me get great work experience and hopefully help them feel safe, too!"

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Job Description

SOC Code: 33-9092

Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Customer service
• Administers first aid
• Risk management
• Enforce rules and regulations
• Clean restrooms

General Work Activities:

• Interacting With Others
  • Rescue people from hazardous situations
  • Request emergency personnel
  • Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns
  • Provide safety training
  • Train employees in proper work procedures
  • Assist customers to ensure comfort or safety
• Information Input
  • Patrol natural areas to ensure safety or enforce regulations
  • Inspect facilities for cleanliness
  • Monitor environmental conditions to detect hazards
  • Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning
• Work Output
  • Record information about environmental conditions
  • Operate ships or other watercraft
  • Maintain operational records

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

 

• Catawba
• Greenville
• Lower Savannah
• Waccamaw
• Upstate
• Trident

 

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• YMCA of Upper Palmetto
• Greenville County, SC
• YMCA of Greenville
• City of Aiken, SC
• Spartanburg County YMCA
• Beaufort County, SC

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
• Firefighters
• Security Guards
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialists

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.