Lifeguard: pay, what you do and current jobs
Manapou
Lifeguards watch and supervise people in pools and at beaches and lakes to keep them safe in the water. They may rescue swimmers in trouble, give first aid and teach water safety.
- Typical full-time pay in NZ$50,000–$65,000 a year (up to $79,000)
- Training0-1 year
- IndustrySports, exercise and recreation
Pay is for full-time work across New Zealand. Part-time and hourly roles are paid by the hour; check each advert.
1 lifeguard job on ManyJobs now
- Network Lifeguard Team Member | North - West - CentralAuckland Council · Auckland Wide
What you’d do
- watch swimmers at pools and beaches
- keep swimmers safe
- save people in danger
- give first aid
- check water is safe for swimming
- teach water safety skills
- talk to swimmers about rules
- set up rescue gear
- keep records of incidents
- keep work area clean and tidy
Life on the job
Lifeguards:
- usually work irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends
- usually work at pools or beaches
- may work outdoors in all weather conditions
- may do physically and emotionally demanding work
- need to be reliable, responsible and safety conscious
How to get in
You need to do training to become a lifeguard.
You usually don’t need specific NCEA levels for this job.
You may need:
- to be at least 14 years old
- a Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate
- a First Aid Certificate
- to pass a police check
- to pass a Surf Lifeguard Award exam
- to join a surf lifeguard club
- to be able to swim 200m in under 6 minutes
- to do a refresher test each season
Also known as: Pool lifeguard, life guard, lifesaver, rescuer, beach patroller
Get ready to apply
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