Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
What is a Lifeguard, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers?
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers are professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals engaged in recreational activities, particularly in aquatic and snowy environments. These workers are trained to handle emergencies, provide first aid, and enforce safety regulations at beaches, swimming pools, ski resorts, and other recreational facilities. Lifeguards monitor water activities, identify hazards, and perform rescues as needed while educating the public on safe practices. Ski patrol members uphold safety standards on the slopes, assist injured skiers, and manage the conditions of the trails. They often collaborate with other emergency services to respond quickly to accidents and provide a safe environment for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to emergency response, these professionals are vital in promoting safe recreational practices and educating the community on risk management associated with their activities.
Tasks
- Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
- Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
- Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
- Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
- Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Instant messaging software
- GroupMe
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Desktop publishing software
- Microsoft Publisher
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Manlift or personnel lift
- Life rings
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Two way radios
- Mobile medical services first aid kits
- Mobile medical services automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Skills
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Detailed Work Activities
- Patrol natural areas to ensure safety or enforce regulations.
- Rescue people from hazardous situations.
- Request emergency personnel.
- Administer first aid.
- Inspect facilities for cleanliness.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$22750.0 - $39150.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.