Beach Lifeguard Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the sun-soaked world of beach life, the role of beach lifeguards has never been more critical.

As the crowds at our beaches increase, so does the need for skilled individuals who can oversee, secure, and promote the safety of beachgoers.

But let’s take a closer look: What’s really required from a beach lifeguard?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring lifeguard trying to understand the demands of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamic profession of beach lifeguarding,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable beach lifeguard job description template, created for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Beach Lifeguard Duties and Responsibilities

Beach Lifeguards are responsible for promoting safety and enforcing regulations at a beach to ensure the well-being of swimmers and beachgoers.

They are trained to prevent incidents and respond to emergencies when necessary.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Observing swimmers in the water and ensuring their safety
• Enforcing beach rules and regulations for the safety of all beachgoers
• Responding to emergencies and rescuing swimmers in danger of drowning
• Administering first aid and CPR when necessary
• Providing information and advice about water conditions to the public
• Working closely with other lifeguards and emergency service personnel
• Maintaining active physical condition to meet the demands of lifeguard duties
• Assisting in beach maintenance and cleanliness tasks
• Conducting training and drills for emergency situations

 

Beach Lifeguard Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a responsible and vigilant Beach Lifeguard to ensure the safety of our beach visitors.

The Beach Lifeguard will be responsible for monitoring activities, applying and enforcing safety rules, and providing emergency response as needed.

Our ideal candidate is a strong swimmer, has excellent physical condition and has a keen eye for identifying potential dangers or hazards.

Familiarity with CPR and first aid is a must.

Ultimately, the role of the Beach Lifeguard is to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach environment for all visitors.

 

Responsibilities

• Monitor beach-goers to ensure they are safe and adhering to beach rules
• Provide warnings to people who violate the safety rules of the beach
• Provide first aid, CPR, and other necessary emergency response
• Assist in keeping the beach environment clean and safe
• Rescue swimmers in danger of drowning
• Participate in regular training sessions
• Maintain daily logs and incident reports
• Ensure all equipment is in good condition and ready for use

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid lifeguard certification
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Excellent swimming ability
• Good physical condition
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Knowledge of water rescue methods
• Good communication and people skills

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Outdoor work environment
• Seasonal job

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Beach Lifeguard
• Work Environment: Outdoor beach setting with exposure to various weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Beach Manager or Safety Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $15 – $20 per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time / Part-time / Seasonal
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, valid certifications, and a brief description of your swimming experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Beach Lifeguard Do?

Beach Lifeguards are responsible for maintaining the safety of beachgoers at public or private beach establishments.

Their primary role is to keep a vigilant watch over swimmers and other beachgoers to ensure their safety.

They are trained to recognize potential danger, disturbances or violations of safety regulations and promptly handle them to prevent any harm or accidents.

Beach Lifeguards are skilled swimmers, capable of performing rescue operations when required.

This includes saving individuals from drowning, providing first aid or CPR, and contacting additional emergency services if necessary.

Their duties also include maintaining order at the beach, enforcing safety rules and regulations, advising beachgoers about safe swimming and beach activities, and responding to any inquiries or concerns from the public.

In addition to safety duties, they often have administrative tasks such as maintaining daily logs and incident reports, inspecting safety equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of their assigned area.

Their role requires them to be physically fit, alert, and have excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with beachgoers of all ages.

They often work in shifts, under varying weather conditions, and must be prepared to respond to emergencies at all times.

 

Beach Lifeguard Qualifications and Skills

A proficient beach lifeguard should have the skills and qualifications that align with the rigorous and responsible nature of their job role, such as:

• Strong swimming skills and physical stamina to perform rescues in various water conditions.
• Knowledge of first aid and CPR to provide immediate care during emergencies.
• Surveillance skills to identify potential dangers and react swiftly to ensure safety.
• Communication skills to effectively relay safety instructions to beach-goers, and coordinate with team members during rescues.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of people, including children, the elderly, and people with special needs.
• Physical fitness and endurance to perform the role which often requires long periods of standing, running, or swimming.
• Problem-solving skills to effectively manage various emergency situations.
• Customer service skills to handle queries and complaints of beach-goers in a polite and professional manner.
• Knowledge of local marine life and hazards to keep beach-goers informed and safe.

 

Beach Lifeguard Experience Requirements

Entry-level Beach Lifeguard candidates are typically required to have certification from a credible institution.

The training programs combine both practical and theoretical instruction, which includes swimming rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR.

Prior to certification, candidates are often required to demonstrate their swimming skills, which may include a distance swim, timed swim, and diving.

Some areas may also require their lifeguards to be at least 15 or 16 years old, with a certain level of physical and mental maturity.

In addition to the training and certification, some beaches or pools may require their lifeguards to have one or two seasons of experience.

This allows them to gain real-world experience in monitoring beachgoer safety, recognizing and responding to dangerous water conditions, and performing rescues when needed.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have dealt with a wide variety of emergency scenarios and weather conditions.

They may be considered for senior or supervisory roles due to their extensive experience and proven ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might have leadership experience, such as training new lifeguards, coordinating emergency response, or managing a team of lifeguards.

They may be considered for managerial positions or other roles of increased responsibility.

 

Beach Lifeguard Education and Training Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum educational requirement for becoming a beach lifeguard.

Prospective beach lifeguards must also complete a Lifeguard Training Program certified by a reputable organization such as the American Red Cross.

This program includes both classroom instruction and physical training, and it covers topics such as surveillance, rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, and the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

In addition to completing a training program, beach lifeguards must also pass a physical fitness test that includes swimming, running, and treading water.

Many employers also require beach lifeguards to obtain certification in professional rescuer CPR, first aid, and AED use.

Recertification is generally required every two years, although the specifics can vary by state and employer.

Although not required, some beach lifeguards may choose to pursue additional training or certification in areas such as ocean rescue, emergency medical response, or water safety instruction.

This can help to enhance their skills and improve their job prospects.

 

Beach Lifeguard Salary Expectations

A Beach Lifeguard typically earns an average salary of $26,500 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on the lifeguard’s level of experience, certifications, and the specific location of the beach.

The employing organization can also impact earnings.

 

Beach Lifeguard Job Description FAQs

What skills does a beach lifeguard need?

A beach lifeguard should possess excellent swimming skills and physical stamina.

They should have good observation skills to detect potential dangers and rescue situations promptly.

First aid and CPR knowledge is also vital.

The ability to stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions and communicate effectively with beach visitors is also important.

 

Do beach lifeguards need a certification?

Yes, beach lifeguards need to be certified.

The specific certification can vary but generally includes lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR/AED for professional rescuers.

These certifications ensure that the lifeguard is equipped to respond to both land and water emergencies.

 

What should you look for in a beach lifeguard resume?

A beach lifeguard resume should first show that they are certified in lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR/AED.

Look for experience in the role and evidence of physical fitness.

Any additional certifications, like open water rescue or training in handling marine creatures like jellyfish, are also valuable.

 

What qualities make a good beach lifeguard?

A good beach lifeguard is observant and vigilant, always aware of their surroundings.

They must be physically fit and able to act quickly and decisively in emergencies.

Good beach lifeguards also communicate effectively, are good team members, and have a strong sense of responsibility for the safety of others.

 

What are the daily duties of a beach lifeguard?

A beach lifeguard’s daily duties include monitoring the beach and ocean conditions, enforcing safety rules among beachgoers, and providing first aid or rescue services as needed.

They also need to check and maintain rescue equipment, update beach safety signage, and often, they assist in keeping the beach clean.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a taste of what it truly means to be a beach lifeguard.

Surprised?

It’s not only about perfect tans and blowing a whistle.

It’s about safeguarding lives and creating a safe, enjoyable beach environment, one vigilant glance at a time.

With our comprehensive beach lifeguard job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive right in.

But why not take the plunge?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating precision-crafted job listings or honing your resume to absolute perfection.

Always remember:

Every saved life contributes to a larger mission.

Let’s safeguard that future. Together.

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