We surveyed 12,418 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.
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.