Since a young age I have always wanted to work with people and as a keen, competitive swimmer, being a lifeguard was always my dream. When I turned 16-years-old I followed that dream and completed RLSS UK’s National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). Before completing the lifeguard qualification, I had the expectations of rocking the yellow and red uniform, siting on the chair watching over the pool and master the skill of the whistle spin. Following the course, lifeguarding is way more than what I thought it was – for all the right reasons. Here’s why I love being a lifeguard:

You have the best co-workers

Lifeguarding is not a lonely job. You always lifeguard in groups ranging from three to eight (it just depends on the size of the pool) and, this is very cliché of me to say, but you become a family. I have made some lifelong friends working as a lifeguard. What’s better than working with your friends?

You are in charge of when you work

Being a lifeguard is extremely flexible. I am currently studying to become a primary school teacher and being a lifeguard allows me to study and work at the same time. Leisure centres are normally open from 7am to 10pm each day including weekends, so finding a time to work that suits you is easy.

No day is the same 

Who fancies a job that’s repetitive? I know I don’t. Every day is different and that’s what I love about being a lifeguard. No day is the same and each day comes with new challenges, meeting new people and lots of fun.

See the world

RLSS UK’s National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is internationally recognised, which means you can travel and keep working as a pool lifeguard around the world!

You’ll learn CPR and First Aid

During the lifeguard training, you have to learn CPR and First Aid. CPR and First Aid are great skills to have under your belt and ones you can put on your CV! These are also essential life skills that may come in handy possibly be needed to save someone’s life.

Meeting new people

The main benefit to being a pool lifeguard is you always meet new people, from fellow lifeguards to customers. Lifeguards provide an amazing public service and you make people feel confident and safe within the swimming pool environment, people respect you for this.

Foundation to a career in the leisure industry

Being a pool lifeguard offers a fantastic foundation to a career in the leisure industry. I am already a swimming teacher and a receptionist. Many senior managers within the leisure industry start lifeguarding at their local pools.

It only takes one summer to fall in love with lifeguarding; it’s time to make this summer the summer you become a lifeguard!

If you’d like to become a lifeguard click here to find out how!