Occupation AtlasLifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
O*NET · 33-9092.00
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.
20 more
Gamewell Operator · Life Guard · Lifeguard · Marine Safety Officer · Ocean Lifeguard · Ocean Lifeguard Specialist · OEC Tech · OEC Tech (Outdoor Emergency Care Technician) · Park Ranger · Playground Monitor · Pool Attendant · Pool Lifeguard · Pool Monitor · Pool Supervisor · Ranger · Recreation Aide · Rescue Worker · Ski Patrol Paramedic · Ski Patroller · Surveillance System Monitor
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RSCRealistic · Social · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic6.27
- S Social4.24
- C Conventional3.44
- E Enterprising2.88
- I Investigative2.37
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (50%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (44%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (46%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Service OrientationImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
- InstructingImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- WritingbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- PersuasionImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Time ManagementImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Systems AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- SciencebasicImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- MathematicsbasicImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.3Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.3Level —
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.3Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.3Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 core · 5 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.Importance 4.8
- Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.Importance 4.8
- Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.Importance 4.7
- Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.Importance 4.7
- Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.Importance 4.3
- Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.Importance 4.3
- Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.Importance 4.3
- Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.Importance 4.1
- Inspect recreational equipment, such as rope tows, T-bars, J-bars, or chair lifts, for safety hazards and damage or wear.Importance 4.1
- Inspect recreational facilities for cleanliness.Importance 3.6
Show the other 5
- Observe activities in assigned areas, using binoculars, to detect hazards, disturbances, or safety infractions.Importance 4.2
- Operate underwater recovery units.Importance 4.1
- Provide assistance with staff selection, training, and supervision.Importance 3.7
- Provide assistance in the safe use of equipment, such as ski lifts.Importance 3.6
- Participate in recreational demonstrations to entertain resort guests.Importance 2.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- English LanguageImportance 3.5Level 2.9
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- PsychologyImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- ChemistryImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
Show all 33
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.4Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- AdministrativeImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- BiologyImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- MathematicsImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- MechanicalImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- TransportationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- PhysicsImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.6Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- DesignImportance 1.4Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Problem SensitivityImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Far VisionImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
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- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Near VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- StaminaImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
- Time SharingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Static StrengthImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Written ComprehensionImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Response OrientationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Glare SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Sound LocalizationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Number FacilityImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Rate ControlImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Night VisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.6Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 4.4Level 5.7
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.1Level 2.9
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.0Level 2.7
- Processing InformationImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.6Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
6 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (4)
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (2)
- GroupMe
- Microsoft Publisher
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Security Guards
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control +0.7, Active Listening +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Childcare Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Technology Design +0.8, Negotiation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
Average difference 0.3 points · Instructing +1.2, Technology Design +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Bailiffs
Average difference 0.3 points · Learning Strategies −1.0, Negotiation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Orderlies
Average difference 0.3 points · Monitoring −1.2, Learning Strategies −1.0
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Physical Therapist Aides
Average difference 0.3 points · Technology Design +0.9, Mathematics +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Average difference 0.3 points · Mathematics +1.1, Negotiation +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
School Bus Monitors
Average difference 0.3 points · Learning Strategies −1.1, Instructing −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.