Law & Government
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.
Median salary (BLS)
$33,580
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$26k – $44k
Job outlook
+6% (faster than average)
AI exposure
Plan a path to Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Education
Typical entry: No degree required
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
EstimateLicense requiredCost to qualify
$200–$5,150
Time to qualify
1 yr
Renewal
—
- 1
High school diploma or GED
CourseExpected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.
$0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source
- 2
On-the-job training
ExperienceEmployer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.
Cost varies · 3 months source
- 3
Bar exam / state licensure / academy
LicenseLawyers: the state bar exam. Public-safety roles: a training academy plus state certification.
$200–$5,000 · 6 months · varies by state source
Estimated typical U.S. route for "Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.
Typical progression
Junior Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Entry / Junior
$25,780
~2 yrs to advance
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Established
$33,580
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
Senior
$38,775
Key skills
A typical day
- •Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
- •Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
- •Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
- •Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
- •Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Law & Government
Explore all- Yale University5% admit · $105,000 grad pay
- Harvard University4% admit · $119,000 grad pay
- Stanford University4% admit · $122,000 grad pay
- Columbia University4% admit · $103,000 grad pay
- University of Chicago5% admit · $91,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.