We surveyed 12,146 lifeguards to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical lifeguard. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a lifeguard?

Low

High

Working as a lifeguard typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a lifeguard?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a lifeguard typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a lifeguard?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically not very difficult to find a job as a lifeguard. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for lifeguards.

Info

Do lifeguards work full-time or part-time?

18% of lifeguards work in full-time roles while 82% work part-time.

Is being a lifeguard stressful?

Low

High

Lifeguards tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a lifeguard?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a lifeguard.

How competitive is the workplace for lifeguards?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for lifeguards.

Does being a lifeguard require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for lifeguards.

Are lifeguards allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Lifeguards rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do lifeguards have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Lifeguards tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a lifeguard physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a lifeguard may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are lifeguards exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Lifeguards tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a lifeguard require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail is a vital skill for lifeguards, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.

Does being a good lifeguard require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as lifeguards.