Lifeguard

Lifeguards are much more than sexy swimsuit-clad bodies running in slow motion down a beach (sorry Baywatch fans). In fact, did you know over 1,000,000 people are saved by certified lifeguards each year?

Becoming a lifeguard is the ultimate kick start to a career. Plus, it gives you on the job perks and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Want to know why it’s so great? Let’s look at 5 reasons to consider a career as a lifeguard.

1. Save Lives and Help People

There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re helping people…especially when it comes to saving lives. As a lifeguard, there’s no shortage of either.

Your top priority is to save people from drowning. But that’s not your only responsibility. You’ll also help in a variety of first aid incidents, locating lost children, keep people safe poolside, and stop unsafe behavior.

You’ll go through training and verification of CPR knowledge, first aid training, and water rescue. All skills that not only help on the job but look good on a resume for future job prospects.

2. Work on Your Tan

While your friends are stuck inside for their jobs, you’ll be enjoying the sunny outdoors as a lifeguard.

Fun in the sun goes right along with the job description. You’ll be able to develop a great tan while on duty (it’s ok to tell people its part of your uniform).

Just don’t forget to be safe! Long job shifts can mean a lot of time spent in the sun. Be sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.

3. Great Hours

It’s rare you find a fun job that also offers great working hours. Yet, becoming a lifeguard can give you the best of both worlds.

Most pools and public swim areas are only open during the day, leaving your evenings completely free. In fact, if you grab a morning shift, you’ll likely be off by late afternoon. And many swim areas close on holidays.

4. Learn to Work as a Team

One skill that is a necessity, no matter where your career takes you, is the ability to work well in a team environment. Your time as a lifeguard will prepare you for just that.

Lifeguards work in groups. They help each other watch swimmers in specified zones, cover rotations, and keep each other informed on incidents that happen while on duty.

And in the event of an emergency, the team works together to save lives. There’s no better team building exercise than that.

5. Develop Leadership Skills

Keeping people safe is an important job. That responsibility requires a lifeguard to be alert, assertive, and become an authority figure when enforcing rules. There’s no room to be timid when correcting unsafe behavior.

Even if you start a lifeguard job unsure of your leadership skills, you’ll quickly discover your ability to communicate with others and see your leadership skills grow.

Make a Difference as a Lifeguard

Don’t dream about being at the pool while being stuck in a job you hate. Have fun while keeping people safe by becoming a lifeguard.

Ready for more career advice? Check out the posts on the business section of our blog!