Swimming at the beach or a pool, hitting the slopes at a ski resort, it’s all for fun and fitness. But when an accident happens, or someone needs help, lifeguards and ski patrols come to the rescue. These recreational protective service workers monitor swimming and ski areas to aid and protect the public. Lifeguards and ski patrols look out for hazards or safety problems in their assigned areas. In emergencies, they examine injured persons and administer first aid or CPR. Lifeguards watch over swimmers at pools, lakes, and ocean beaches. They may patrol on foot, with a vehicle, or observe swimmers from towers. They also keep beach facilities clean and maintain the right balance of chemicals in pools. Ski or alpine patrol workers monitor trails and slopes from vehicles or on their skis, often checking trails for hazards, and conducting a sweep of the area at the end of the day to ensure the safe return of all skiers. Recreation workers inform participants of the rules, and ensure that equipment is used safely. They also keep records of weather and beach conditions and warn participants when bad weather is expected, or other safety hazards threaten. Although these occupations generally have no formal educational requirements, significant skills in swimming or skiing are necessary. Some positions require lifesaving and CPR certification.
What they do:
Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.
On the job, you would:
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.
Business
customer service
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
do two or more things at the same time
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Visual Understanding
see hidden patterns
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
Endurance
exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Cooperation
Concern for Others
Self Control
Stress Tolerance
Adaptability/Flexibility
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Instant messaging software
GroupMe
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
no high school diploma/GED or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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