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Lifeguards

THE JOB

Contrary to a widely-held notion, a LIFEGUARD doesn't have a relaxing job at
the beach.  In fact, a normal workday can be tough and demanding.  In
California, those who are willing to accept the challenge of this job can
choose from a range of opportunities--from working at public and private
swimming pools to lifeguarding at rivers, lakes, and ocean beaches.  Actual
duties and responsibilities depend on where a Lifeguard works.  All share
the same high level of responsibility and the basic commitment to safeguard
the lives and property of those in their care and must be prepared to use
emergency measures when required.

Pool Lifeguards working at public and private swimming facilities supervise
the pool, decks and adjacent areas. Usually working in pairs, Lifeguards
constantly watch the swimmers in their jurisdiction, protect their safety,
make sure rules are followed, give first aid, and, if required, use the
rescue techniques as prescribed by the Red Cross.  They also keep records,
write reports, and do required pool maintenance.  Lifeguards may perform
other duties, such as working as cashiers in a snack bar.  Lifeguards who
are certified Water Safety Instructors (WSI) develop lesson plans for water-
related classes and teach swimming skills to children and adults. 

Beach Lifeguards work along the California coastline from Santa Cruz to San
Diego and at some of the major California inland lakes.  They watch from a
station or tower for such things as violations of beach rules, ocean
hazards, and signs of swimmers who are potentially or already in danger.
Lifeguards use rescue buoys, rings or boards and approved techniques when
responding to swimmers in need of help.  They give first aid to victims of
near-drowning and to those who suffer from cuts, broken bones, heat strokes
or even heart seizures.  They keep a written log book describing major
incidents.

Some Beach Lifeguards are specialized and work as rescue boat crew members
patrolling assigned coastline areas and responding to reports of tired
swimmers, damaged or sinking boats, injured persons at sea and ditched or
crashed aircraft.  Beach patrol Lifeguards drive a four-wheel drive vehicle
equipped for major emergencies such as beached boats or cliff accidents.
Beach Lifeguards also operate underwater recovery units, offer water safety
courses in sailing and surfing and provide youth educational services.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation hires mainly Beach
Lifeguards.  The State Park Cadet (Lifeguard) is the entry position.  All
cadets learn not only the duties of a Lifeguard, but also receive training
in basic law enforcement, public contact and visitor services, and natural 
resource management.  When they successfully finish training they are promoted
to Lifeguard 1 and have full Peace Officer status.  Lead Lifeguards persons
arrange schedules and assist in training. 


WORKING CONDITIONS

Although Lifeguards work out of stations or offices, most of their time is
spent outside, in all types of weather.  Not only do they risk exposure to
dangerous rays from the burning sun, they also work in the cold and the
rain.  Work is often strenuous, and Lifeguards are usually required to
engage in daily physical workouts to keep in top condition.  The work may
also be highly stressful.  Lifeguards need to be able to deal with large and
sometimes rowdy crowds, while constantly watching the area for any possible
problems.  They know that if they don't do their job correctly, a life could
be lost.

Beach Lifeguards also face the additional risks of cold water, risky water
conditions, and dangerous rescue attempts.  In the winter months they patrol
the beach for hazards and tide changes and watch over the swimmers, surfers
and skin divers who venture into the cold and rough waters where the
accident potential is greater than in the warmer months.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.  The figures represent
the occupational group Protective Service Workers Not Elsewhere Classified
(NEC), which includes Beach Lifeguards and Lifeguards.

Estimated number of workers in 1993            15,660
Estimated number of workers in 2005            16,610
Projected Growth 1993-2005                         6%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005  14,540

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

The demand for permanent beach Lifeguards is expected to remain fairly
constant.  Competition is stiff and most of the permanent positions are
filled by those who previously held seasonal positions.  Students normally
fill seasonal jobs and the turnover is fairly high.

Pool Lifeguards are hired mainly in the summer and again these spots are
filled primarily by students.  The aquatic manager position is the only
full-time permanent job usually available.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Since most outdoor public and private pools are open only during the summer
months, the majority of Pool Lifeguard positions are seasonal and fringe
benefits are minimal.  In Southern California some beaches are used for
recreation year-round, and Beach Lifeguards are employed on a full-time
basis throughout the year. Permanent full-time Beach Lifeguards receive sick
leave, insurance and retirement benefits.

Starting wages for Pool Lifeguards can range from the minimum wage at some
park districts to $13.63 an hour for the California Department of Parks and
Recreation Pool Lifeguard.  Entry-level seasonal Beach Lifeguards can expect
to earn anywhere from $7.50 to $12.80 an hour depending upon where they
work.  Permanent full-time State park cadet Beach Lifeguards start at about
$13.25 an hour.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Age and education requirements depend upon the type of Lifeguard position.
Park districts may require a minimum age of 16 years for Pool Lifeguards,
whereas Beach Lifeguard positions generally require a minimum age of 18.
Additionally, the State of California requires applicants for the cadet
program to have completed 60 college units.

All Lifeguards must have American Red Cross Lifeguard training, and current
first aid and CPR certificates.  Those teaching water-related classes must
have their water safety instructor (WSI) certificate.  Many positions
require a valid California drivers license and some jobs also require an
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate.

Basic Red Cross Lifeguard certificate classes are frequently offered through
park districts, the YMCA, and school aquatic programs.  First aid, CPR and
WSI classes are also offered directly by the American Red Cross and through
other community organizations.

Employers look for job seekers with physical endurance, first aid skills,
"people" skills, the capability to write required reports, and the ability
to work under stress and react quickly in emergency situations.  Competition
for Beach Lifeguard positions is keen and some employers screen potential
applicants with a competitive "run-swim-run" performance test.


ADVANCEMENT

Pool Lifeguard advancement opportunities are somewhat limited because of the
seasonal nature of the work, but Lifeguards can promote through the ranks,
progressing through such positions as swim instructor, head Lifeguard, swim
coach, aquatic assistant up to the job of aquatic director.

The Beach Lifeguard job is more specialized and has better advancement
opportunities.  The career ladder includes: ocean Lifeguard; senior ocean
Lifeguard; rescue boat lieutenant; lieutenant, ocean Lifeguard; captain, ocean
Lifeguard; and chief, Lifeguard operations division.


FINDING THE JOB

One of the best ways to start as a Pool Lifeguard is through a local park
district.  Local pools often give basic Lifeguard certificate classes and
provide opportunities for entry level positions.  Since jobs are seasonal,
they provide good summer job opportunities for students.

Job seekers interested in Beach Lifeguard positions should contact the
California Surf Lifesaving Association to request a copy of the Recurrent
Lifeguard Exam Survey which lists Lifeguard agencies and exam information.
Those considering State Lifeguard positions should contact the California
Department of Parks and Recreation.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

California Surf Lifesaving Association
PO Box 366
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 968-9360 

California Department of Parks and Recreation
Personnel Office
1416 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814 
(916) 653-6995

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Park Rangers                      No. 232
Recreation Workers                No. 357 

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Beach Lifeguard               379.364-014
Lifeguard                     379.667-014

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Protective Service Workers NEC     630990

Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.