Are you looking for a job that gives you a deep sense of pride and is meaningful and rewarding? Then look no further than lifeguarding. A staggering 84% of the lifeguards we spoke to in our latest Lifeguard Survey rated their experience working as a lifeguard as 'excellent' or 'good'.

We surveyed 3,152 lifeguards from across the UK and Ireland* to get greater insight into the nation’s lifeguard community and understand their motivations and aspirations. Here are their top five reasons for being an RLSS UK qualified lifeguard:

1. You can find work easily and earn a good income

There’s a reason RLSS UK’s National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is still the most popular lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland because it offers a route to employment. In fact, 76% of the people we surveyed who completed the NPLQ found it easy to find paid work as a lifeguard.

RLSS UK’s sister qualifications - Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) and National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) - are also helping people to secure jobs, with 72% of open water lifeguards and almost three-quarters of beach lifeguards also finding it easy to find paid work as a lifeguard after training with RLSS UK.

For 16-18-year-olds in particular, qualifying with the leading lifesaving and lifeguarding charity offers the potential to earn good money and typically more than they can expect in other jobs.

"Good pay for 18-year-olds and flexible hours that work around me being a student."

"It's a great part-time job because the hours are very flexible, it isn't stressful, and the pay is good. You get great perks, and the skills are useful in any part of life."

2. Being a lifeguard gives you a great job

The pandemic has changed how people feel about work, and finding a job that gives you purpose has never been more important.

Few jobs that allow you to perform rescues and save lives - which ranks pretty high in terms of job satisfaction. But being a lifeguard is so much more than that. It’s a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You engage with people from all walks of life and are responsible for identifying and dealing with potential dangers, ensuring people can enjoy the water.

"I like meeting new people and enjoy the responsibilities that come with being a lifeguard. I've learnt lots of very valuable life experiences which I think I can take with me forever."

Repeatedly, lifeguards told us how fulfilling they find the role.

"It's a great experience, and it's a way of life. You will use skills learned as a a lifeguard on a normal day-to-day basis. Furthermore, you can save the lives of others and the close ones around you."

3. Lifeguarding boosts your confidence

Lacking confidence can hamper your prospects, leading to self-doubt and making it tougher to overcome challenges. Whatever your age or life experience, learning new skills is a proven way of building confidence and is a clear outcome of completing an RLSS UK lifeguarding qualification.

"I like the sense of responsibility in my job and the sense of community. Overall, it has given me new skills and greater experience."

An incredible 93% of NPLQ holders are proud of their job, and 91% of pool lifeguards believe the job looks good on their CVs. 

"It's a job with responsibility, looks good on my C.V. and is fun."

4. You can work the hours that suit you

Flexible working is one of today’s most sought-after job benefits as people look for a better work/life balance. Lifeguarding allows you to work to suit your schedule, so you can do the hours you want when you want.

"While I am a student, it offers great flexibility to accommodate my studies and other interests and it is a great way to earn money, learn new skills and meet new people."

"I am retired. I like being part of a team; I used to engage with the public before retirement. I missed this, so the job fulfils that desire."

Of the pool lifeguards we spoke to, 92% said the job is flexible, so it can fit around other commitments.

"I enjoy the role... I needed a part time job to fit in with family life, so it's a convenient job."

5. Being a lifeguard opens opportunities

The beauty of lifeguarding is that you can start at any age. The variety of the role means you develop a wide range of skills - 92% of NPLQ holders and 96% of NVBLQ and OWL holders told us they are developing new skills in their role, with customer service, communication, and teamwork skills being specifically highlighted.

91% of people who've worked as a pool lifeguard believe lifeguarding looks good on their CV.

"Very enjoyable job and has helped me get work experience for my application to become a paramedic."

"Every day, you have something to do. You develop great relationships with the community. And you are learning/developing new skills."

Learn more about training to be a lifeguard with RLSS UK

Find your nearest RLSS UK lifeguard course

* RLSS UK Lifeguard Surveys 2024, n=2,456 NPLQ holders, n=249 OWL/NVBLQ holders