Lifeguard

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• training with professional bodies

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can complete a leisure team member intermediate apprenticeship to get into this role.

As well as learning how to perform the duties of a lifeguard, on this apprenticeship you will also learn more about the duties of a:

• swimming teacher
• gym instructor
• group activities coach

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to work as a pool attendant or assistant, for example in a leisure centre, and take lifeguard qualifications on the job.

OtherRoutes

If you want to work as a pool lifeguard you'll need one of the following qualifications:

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
• Level 2 Award for Pool Lifeguard

To be a beach lifeguard, you'll need to complete the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ).

You can complete the qualifications by:

• joining a local club as a volunteer and training with them
• training with a professional body

You can also apply to train and work with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• knowledge of first aid and life saving techniques
• concentration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• sensitivity and understanding
• to enjoy working with other people
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• a desire to help people
• active listening skills
• leadership skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• knowledge of psychology

What you'll do:

Lifeguards look after swimming areas, help swimmers to stay safe and carry out rescues in emergencies.

As a pool or beach lifeguard you'll supervise swimming areas and help people in trouble. For your main tasks you will:

• make sure swimmers follow safety rules
• make sure people stay in safe areas
• rescue swimmers in danger
• give first aid

As a pool lifeguard, you’ll also:

• advise swimmers on how to use diving boards and slides
• check pool water temperature and chemicals
• clean the pool area and set up equipment

As a beach lifeguard you'll also:

• monitor sea conditions and set up safety flags
• be a point of contact for people on the beach

Location : You could work at a fitness centre.
Environment : Your working environment may be humid and outdoors some of the time.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £22,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

You could become a leisure centre manager with the National Pool Management Qualification .

Some pool lifeguards get swimming teaching or coaching qualifications and give swimming lessons. You could also train and lead a team of lifeguards.

You could compete in lifeguarding competitions.