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Lifeguards and Swimming Instructors

Work Environment

Employment in the sun, surf, and the outdoors may be the ideal work atmosphere for some. However, these jobs are anything but cushy. Lifeguards have a tremendous amount of responsibility when on duty. They must always be ready to prevent accidents and react quickly during emergencies, while resisting the distractions of the job environment. Similarly, instructors have to stay alert while teaching, especially when instructing young children. Instructors also have the added stress of teaching young students who may not enjoy their time in the pool, and as a result, may not cooperate or be on their best behavior.

Though instructors teach classes of varying lengths, most lifeguards work eight-hour shifts. Depending on the size of the facility, guards work in pairs or teams.