How to become a Lifeguard

Looks after the safety of people at beaches, inland water environments, swimming pools and aquatic facilities through supervision, accident prevention and rescue, and educating the public on water safety.

Main tasks

• Supervises, scans and patrols designated areas to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers
• Identifies and assesses potential risks and hazards in the water and in immediately surrounding areas
• Educates the public on water safety practices and provides advice on swimming conditions
• Rescues individuals in distress and administers first aid and CPR as necessary
• Maintains and operates rescue equipment and ensures it is in good working order
• Enforces rules and regulations at beach, pool or other swimming locations to prevent accidents and maintain order
• Assists in the coordination or emergency response efforts with other Lifeguards and emergency services
• Conducts regular inspections of swimming areas and facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) (PUA30322); Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) (PUA20119); Certificate IV in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue Management) (PUA42619)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 16,100 people work in this job group now, and about 18,100 are projected by 2035. (+12.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Lifeguard?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue); Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue).

Is a Lifeguard a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2035, from about 16,100 to about 18,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Lifeguard?

Usually not. Only 11% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue); Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue).

Will AI change the work of a Lifeguard?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04