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. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. 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. 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. Permanent full-time Beach Lifeguards receive sick leave, insurance and retirement benefits. Park districts may require a minimum age of 16 years for Pool Lifeguards, whereas Beach Lifeguard positions generally require a minimum age of 18.