Why lifeguarding on the beach is the best

It’s just like Baywatch


When summer rolls around you’re ready to lay back, relax, and hit the beach… but one look at your bank account says you better be hitting that work grind. No one wants to be trapped inside all summer on that #workflow when they could be catching waves, which is why lifeguards always seem to have it so good.  If you’re considering trying to make money while having some fun in the sun this summer you should know what you’re getting yourself into, so read on…

You’re actually working on the beach

Maybe it’s a no brainer but one the biggest perks of being a beach lifeguard is… the beach! Imagine being paid to work on your tan while you do actual work. The most ideal summer location, the one that people clear their schedules for and wait all week to head to is the place you are expected to show up to daily.

Sometimes this means that you’re driving a bit further to work than your friend’s ten minute commute, but it also means that your employer knows that and gives you full-day shifts.

And don’t worry about those dreary, rainy days because beaches close down under severe weather (think summer thunderstorms) and, really, what other job let’s you go home early because of weather?

You save lives (or at least are trained to)

Working as an ocean lifeguard is not easy. But it’s worth it.

While you are required to have specialized Red Cross lifeguard, CPR, and emergency care certifications, there’s also a high chance you’ll be putting those skills to use. The truth is that far too many people think they’re stronger than the ocean and end up needing your help – from helping swimmers escape undertows or performing resuscitation on someone who’s not breathing, you come to master the pressure and work well under it.

This may not be a skill you need for your everyday life (hopefully), but your ability to react quickly and handle stressful situations with finesse makes you the perfect employee. You’re going to have a summer of great laughs and memories, but you’re also going to be more marketable for the real world than you know.

The pay is awesome

When looking for a job it’s all about the dollars… kind of. When lifeguarding at beaches and open water, private communities or the government hold ownership of the land and tend to offer raises each year. For example, in Long Island, New York, the state and county operated beaches have a raise of one dollar for each season you return.

Not only does the job pay well but it pays better with each year; a lot of other summer jobs claim the promise of advancement and raises but come up empty when push comes to shove, yet here you see cold hard cash and more of it every summer.

You get a workout while working

From hauling someone twice your size three hundred yards to digging sand trenches many feet deep, guarding the beach is a workout all in its own.

Most guards are responsible for keeping fit even while at work, which means they participate in morning runs and swims and are periodically tested on their strength when someone needs real help.

Though the job usually features a fitness test as part of initial employment (because who would want someone to save them if they physically couldn’t), it also keeps you in shape every day. No need to pay for that gym membership anymore.

You’re gonna get tan

This one’s simple. Get paid to work hard and move around, or sit and watch in the guard tower. The higher above the horizon you are, the better you can see – and the stronger the sun is, the better the tan lines.

You’ll spend so long in the sun that your skin will adjust to that golden glow and you’ll carry it all year round.

Some swimmers are annoying, but the friendships are worth it

The people at the ocean are not easy. You’re going to have to tell them to stop swimming too far out (over and over again) and you will have to perform saves on people who just don’t “need your help” (even when they really do), but the friendships you gain will make it all up.

Working with people your same age and dealing with the same intense situations means that those bonds formed will be even stronger. You may never get to know the beach-goers personally but you will build lasting relationships with your coworkers.

You have great summer stories

When summer fades and it’s time to head back to school, you won’t have to worry about making up any interesting facts that happened. From funny tales of people who freak out about sharks (while sitting safely under their umbrellas) to what it’s really like to perform CPR (you will break ribs and it means you’re doing it right), you’ll have your friends riveted to your cool tales and feeling excitement for the next time you can put on the suit.

No summer job is easy and being a lifeguard proves that, but if you do decide to give it a try –  consider these factors carefully. Oh, and don’t forget your sunscreen.