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Lifeguard / Water Safety Instructor

Lifeguards and water safety instructors prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies at beaches, pools, and water parks. Florida's 1,350 miles of coastline, thousands of swimming pools, and world-famous water parks including Universal's Volcano Bay and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon employ more lifeguards than any other state — with ocean and beach lifeguarding positions offering premium wages and unique outdoor career experiences.

FL Median Salary
$36,500
Entry Salary
$31,000
Experienced
$55,000
FL Growth
N/A

Requirements & Training

  • Credential: American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification; CPR/AED/First Aid required; ARC Water Safety Instructor (WSI) for teaching swim lessons

Career Path

  1. Lifeguard → Senior Lifeguard → Head Lifeguard → Aquatics Supervisor → Aquatics Director

Top Florida Employers

City of Miami BeachCity of Fort LauderdaleCity of St. PetersburgBroward County ParksUniversal Studios OrlandoWalt Disney World AquaticsJCC/YMCA pools

Related Programs

  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification
  • WSI Certificate
  • Emergency Aquatic Rescue
  • Aquatics Management Certificate
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Salary data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics Florida Occupational Employment Statistics. School data from Florida Department of Education CIE database.

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