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Lifeguard/head lifeguard education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, lifeguards/head lifeguards don't need a college education. The most common degree for lifeguards/head lifeguards is bachelor's degree with 73% graduates, with only 12% lifeguard/head lifeguard graduates earning associate degree. Lifeguards/head lifeguards who decided to graduate from college often finish Texas A&M; University or Appalachian State University. Some good skills to have in this position include first-aid, customer service and water safety.

Popular lifeguard/head lifeguard certifications include First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, Lifeguard Certification, or First Aid Certification. To improve lifeguard/head lifeguard qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in lifeguard/head lifeguard education paths.

What education do you need to become a lifeguard/head lifeguard?

What degree do you need to be a lifeguard/head lifeguard?

The most common degree for lifeguards/head lifeguards is bachelor's degree, with 73% of lifeguards/head lifeguards earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 12% and associate degree degree at 10%.
  • Bachelor's, 73%
  • Associate, 12%
  • High School Diploma, 10%
  • Master's, 4%
  • Other Degrees, 1%

What should I major in to become a lifeguard/head lifeguard?

You should major in business to become a lifeguard/head lifeguard. 15% of lifeguards/head lifeguards major in business. Other common majors for a lifeguard/head lifeguard include kinesiology and psychology.

Best majors for lifeguards/head lifeguards

RankMajorPercentages
1Business15.3%
2Kinesiology9.2%
3Psychology8.6%
4Biology8.2%
5Criminal Justice6.5%

20 best online courses for lifeguards/head lifeguards

Advertising disclosure

1. Basic Certificate in Health Safety & Environment-HSE Level 2

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7. Emergency Life Support First Aid Training

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Learn important life saving first aid. Treatment of major illness and injuries...

8. OSHA Workplace Safety (General Industry 6 Hr Class)

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9. Customer Service Foundation

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17. Customer Service

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Average lifeguard/head lifeguard salary by education level

According to our data, lifeguards/head lifeguards with a Bachelor's degree earn the highest average salary, at $29,105 annually. Lifeguards/head lifeguards with a Associate degree earn an average annual salary of $27,883.
Lifeguard/head lifeguard education levelLifeguard/head lifeguard salary
High School Diploma or Less$27,391
Bachelor's Degree$29,105
Some College/ Associate Degree$27,883

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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