A Portrait of the Lifeguard Life

I've worked as a guard at the Bowling Green State University Recreation

andWellness Center for over a year. As this is my seventh year of guarding,

here's a video I produced on exactly why lifeguarding is more than a job.

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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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