My Lifeguarding Future

Guarding has been a part of my life since I was 16. Besides providing me with a source of income, I’ve made some of my best friends and had some of the most amazing experiences through my various aquatic jobs. I used to say that I would become a professional lifeguard in a heartbeat if I could. Ironically, this is coming true. Well, only partly.

After graduation this May, I will be moving down to Orlando and participating in the Disney College Program, which I was recently accepted into. I’m looking forward to this once in a lifetime opportunity to work for a world-renowned company, build transferable skills, meet people from around the world and live in Florida, where guards can actually work year-round outdoors.

This Disney Program offers everything from networking seminars to leadership workshops. As part of the program, students live and work inside the park, in order to further become acquainted with the company and receive a weekly paycheck. My job with Disney World? Lifeguarding, of course. While I won’t be assigned to an official guard post until I actually get to Disney, I’m excited that I’ll be earning money by guarding in a location like Blizzard Beach or the Walt Disney World Resort.

Even though lifeguarding will just be a part of my Disney College Program experience, it will undoubtedly be the most intense guarding I’ve done yet. Disney requires its lifeguards to become certified through Ellis and Associates, which according to the company includes everything from surprise auditing (testing guards without their knowledge to make sure they know how to scan and rescue properly) to its own style of water saves. I’m sure I certainly won’t remain a lifeguard for the rest of my life, but I’m happy I don’t have to give it up yet…maybe I’ll even save Mickey Mouse someday!

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Time to Change

Lifeguarding can undoubtedly be a demanding job; it may take a toll on you physically, mentally, or even emotionally. From long hours spent under the hot sun or in a humid, chlorine-scented setting to constantly yelling at misbehaving kids and having to clean locker rooms or pool decks, guarding is far from a day at the beach.

Due to its very nature, lifeguarding should never be a 24/7 solo kind of job. Guards will likely change shifts or at the very least rotate positions or chairs while on duty. To maintain the highest level of safety and make for a smooth transition while alternating, it is of vital importance to communicate with your co-workers and always remain conscious of the aquatic environment around you.

In terms of rotating positions, always be mindful of the time if you’re the guard in charge of initiating it. Whether you change spots hourly or every 15 minutes, it’s essential and more effective to remain consistent during rotations—especially if one of those positions is the much desired “down guard,” who gets a brief break. During the actual maneuvers, establish which person will be in charge of keeping an eye on the pool if rotations involve climbing up or down a chair.

For changing shifts, the same above rules apply. In addition, always arrive to work on time and be ready to guard as soon as the previous shift is scheduled to be done. It should be standard protocol to ask the guard you’re relieving about any pertinent information about the swimmers, weather, or any other relevant knowledge. Sharing is definitely caring.

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Top 10 Lifeguarding Locations

Looking for a unique lifeguarding job with amazing opportunities to interact with diverse people and exotic locations? Here's a map with my personal favorites for the 10 best lifeguarding locations in the United States.


1. Disney World (Orlando, Florida)
2. The South Shore (Waikiki, Hawaii-Click and drag on map image westward)
3. Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)
4. Nashville Shores Outdoor Water Park (Hermitage, Tennessee)
5. Newport Beach (Newport Beach, California)
6. Bellagio Hotel Pool (Las Vegas, Nevada)
7. Kalahari Resorts (Sandusky, Ohio)
8. Splash Universe (Dundee, Michigan)
9. CoCo Key Water Resort (Omaha, Nebraska)
10. Chelsea Piers (New York, New York)


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How to Find a Lifeguarding Job

We’ve all heard it on the 6 o’clock news or as the hot topic of conversation while waiting in line at the grocery store—the economy is tough and it’s hard to find jobs. Thankfully for lifeguards everywhere, the aquatic community hasn’t suffered as much as the stock market. If you are a responsible and enthusiastic individual, it truly shouldn’t be too difficult to find a place or pool to work no matter where your location is.

Your first step is to become certified as a lifeguard and/or make sure your certifications are up-to-date before you can ask to be hired. See my post on how to become a lifeguard for more information. When I first obtained my Red Cross certification at 16, I didn’t even have a job lined up yet—but I knew I really wanted to guard and a job soon followed. Due to warmer weather and summer vacations, there tends to be more lifeguarding jobs available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. However, you can begin your search anywhere from January on, as companies like to staff early.

A great method for finding a job is to take a look at the different aquatic environments in your community, which would need lifeguards. Country clubs, park pools, recreation centers, and YMCAs are all obvious potential employers. And don’t forget about the less traditional guarding jobs, like water parks and beaches.

Who you know can always help, so see if you know anyone who works at or regularly attends these places and can put in a good word. Call the company or even stop by their location in person to apply. And if all else fails, get creative and ask a pool which may have a “swim at your own risk, no guard on duty” policy—they may very well take you up on the offer.

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