A Day in the Life of a Lifeguard

Lifeguard | November 9, 2020

Any lifeguard can tell you there's a lot more to lifeguarding than sitting in a tower staring at swimmers in the water. Working as a lifeguard is both challenging and rewarding, and it comes with a lot of responsibility. The day-to-day experience and duties can vary a little depending on where a lifeguard works. Let's dive in to what it's like to be a lifeguard at a pool and at a beach.

A Day in the Life of a Pool Lifeguard

Lifeguards working at pools keep guests safe while swimming or splashing around. In addition, they may have other duties they're in charge of, depending on the property. Today, a pool can be a simple rectangular lap pool, a water park full of slides, wave pools, splash pads and more, or something in between. Each type of pool or aquatic center comes with its own set of challenges for lifeguards to be aware of. Here's what a typical day looks like for a pool lifeguard:

1. Morning Arrival at Work

When do lifeguards start their day? Shifts for lifeguards can vary, especially if both full-time and part-time hours are offered, or if the pool has long hours. Generally, some lifeguards will need to arrive before the pool opens and the guests start arriving. They will check in at a main office or lifeguard station to start their day.

If there are several different posts around the swimming area, the lifeguards will likely be assigned specific posts to attend to. They may need to ensure their stations are stocked with floatation devices, backboards and lifeguard emergency first aid kits. Some lifeguards may be required to do some cleanup work on the decks, lifeguard chairs and other equipment. Some may even check the pool water for the right chemical levels.

2. During the Shift

Throughout the day, a lifeguard will generally spend about 20 minutes to 30 minutes at a time at their assigned post. Once at a post, the lifeguard cannot leave the area and must stay alert and vigilant, watching the water. At the end of the 20- to 30-minute segment, the lifeguards will rotate posts. This helps prevent boredom and ensures a fresh set of eyes on each area of the pool. Each lifeguard will watch their assigned area of the pool, waterslide or other water feature.

Lifeguards may use techniques like walkie talkies to communicate issues and constantly count heads in the pool to keep track of all swimmers in the water. Lifeguards usually have whistles to get the attention of guests or to signal for help from other staff members. If someone goes under, is struggling or is having a medical emergency, the lifeguard will jump in to help. Rescues are rare, but a lifeguard is always prepared with lifeguard rescue equipment. They are trained in CPR, first aid and can handle other emergencies. During their shift, lifeguards generally have at least one break for mealtime, and sometimes extra breaks too.

3. End of the Day

If a lifeguard's shift ends before closing time of the pool, another lifeguard will replace them at their post so they may leave. If a lifeguard works a closing shift, they may have to announce the closing time to guests and ensure everyone is out of the water when it's time to close. They will likely perform safety checks around the pool area, put away any supplies and clean up their station. They may or may not also have some additional cleanup duties around the pool area at the end of the day. When this is complete, they can sign out and leave for the day.

A Day in the Life of an Oceanfront or Beach Lifeguard

At the oceanfront or beach, a lifeguard has many of the same duties as they would at a pool. These lifeguards are trained in CPR, first aid and other emergencies, and they are always watching for dangers. But there are some key differences when guarding in these areas. The ocean or a lake is much larger than a pool. With waves, riptides and currents, the dangers in the water are different, and it's often more difficult to see what's happening under the surface of the water. Here's a day in the life of a beach lifeguard:

Day-to-day responsibilities: Much like a pool lifeguard, a beach lifeguard will check in for the day and head to their specific post on the beach. They may have some re-stocking and station cleaning to do, but once at the post, the main responsibility is the safety of beachgoers. Oceanfront lifeguards must be diligent about watching swimmers in the water, but they often watch for other hazards on the sand or nearby trails, too.
Beachfront challenges: Usually a beach lifeguard is in charge of a fairly large area of the beach, which is a challenge itself. A good lifeguard knows about the specific topography of their beach, including the location of things like rock formations and reefs. They also know how to watch for rip currents and dangerous weather. These hazards can change over the course of a day, so an experienced beach lifeguard watches for changing conditions as well.
Regular drills: Beach lifeguards must be in great shape and constantly prove their abilities. Many beach lifeguard programs have required daily workouts, as well as regular testing of distance swimming and other skills. Additional testing and certification is also necessary if lifeguards use rescue watercraft.

Beach lifeguards must be in great shape and constantly prove their abilities

How long do lifeguards work in a day? Lifeguarding is hard work, and this is one of the most commonly asked questions. The short answer is that there is no set schedule or shift length. It can vary depending on the organization you work for and the details of the individual job. Shifts have the potential to be quite short or very long. If you're thinking of becoming a lifeguard, find out the average shift length of the specific location you want to work at.

Prepare for Lifeguarding Success With Professional Equipment

Life as a lifeguard is both challenging and rewarding. The right lifeguarding supplies and equipment can make a lifeguard's job that much easier while preparing them for success in any situation. Everything you could possibly need for a job as a lifeguard, you can find at The Lifeguard Store. We are proud to outfit and equip lifeguards to help them do their crucial lifesaving work. Shop The Lifeguard Store today for all your lifeguard supply needs.