When you hear the term “lifeguard,” you may picture either not-so-mature high school kids at your local pool or beach-goers from “Beach Watch.” However, the reality of a lifeguard job is often quite different from its popular reputation. If you are willing to consider working at a pool, lifeguard positions can be an excellent second job for adults seeking to supplement their income. In fact, a lifeguard job can lead to a fulfilling full-time career if you are open to the opportunities it presents.

The primary function of a lifeguard is, of course, to protect lives. Through their lifeguard training, they develop the ability to effectively scan bodies of water and their surrounding areas in order to prevent and respond to emergencies. They are trained in CPR for professional rescuers and first aid practices, and are taught to anticipate potential problems before they arise.

It is essential to note that lifeguards should not be assigned any duties other than closely monitoring the swimmers. Many local and state codes now explicitly state this requirement due to safety concerns that, in the past, lifeguards may have been given other tasks that distracted them from their primary responsibility of ensuring swimmer safety.