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Lifeguard/swim instructor vs water safety instructor

The differences between lifeguard/swim instructors and water safety instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lifeguard/swim instructor has an average salary of $27,743, which is higher than the $27,408 average annual salary of a water safety instructor.

The top three skills for a lifeguard/swim instructor include first-aid, lifeguard training and customer service. The most important skills for a water safety instructor are learn-to-swim, aquatic facility, and head lifeguard.

Lifeguard/swim instructor vs water safety instructor overview

Lifeguard/Swim InstructorWater Safety Instructor
Yearly salary$27,743$27,408
Hourly rate$13.34$13.18
Growth rate-19%
Number of jobs27,81944,102
Job satisfaction2-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age2626
Years of experience--

Lifeguard/swim instructor vs water safety instructor salary

Lifeguard/swim instructors and water safety instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lifeguard/Swim InstructorWater Safety Instructor
Average salary$27,743$27,408
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $35,000Between $21,000 And $35,000
Highest paying CitySunnyvale, CAUtica, NY
Highest paying stateMaineWashington
Best paying companyThe Phelps SchoolPace University
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between lifeguard/swim instructor and water safety instructor education

There are a few differences between a lifeguard/swim instructor and a water safety instructor in terms of educational background:

Lifeguard/Swim InstructorWater Safety Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common college--

Lifeguard/swim instructor vs water safety instructor demographics

Here are the differences between lifeguard/swim instructors' and water safety instructors' demographics:

Lifeguard/Swim InstructorWater Safety Instructor
Average age2626
Gender ratioMale, 39.1% Female, 60.9%Male, 39.0% Female, 61.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Asian, 4.3% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between lifeguard/swim instructor and water safety instructor duties and responsibilities

Lifeguard/swim instructor example responsibilities.

  • Design and implement a learn-to-swim program for ages 2-25.
  • Conduct learn-to-swim classes for various ages and swimming levels.
  • Plan daily activities, games, devotions, bible lessons, evening lessons, song times and meals.
  • Inspect recreational area for cleanliness; maintain quality of pool water levels by testing chemical levels
  • Maintain general appearance and cleanliness of assign area and perform general housekeeping of assign area; maintain water safety equipment.
  • Create and run up to date and relevant swimming drills that are both fun and beneficial for students.
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Water safety instructor example responsibilities.

  • Examine injure persons and administer first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
  • Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary.
  • Work on-site to cover HUD and OSHA inspector protocol, EPA regulations, and OSHA policies, practice and procedures.
  • Substitute for yoga and water aerobics as needed
  • Assist and maintain associated paperwork and documentation to ensure OSHA compliance.
  • Maintain general appearance and cleanliness of assign area and perform general housekeeping of assign area; maintain water safety equipment.
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Lifeguard/swim instructor vs water safety instructor skills

Common lifeguard/swim instructor skills
  • First-Aid, 27%
  • Lifeguard Training, 12%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Emergency Situations, 10%
  • Cleanliness, 8%
  • Pool Deck, 3%
Common water safety instructor skills
  • Learn-To-Swim, 13%
  • Aquatic Facility, 11%
  • Head Lifeguard, 11%
  • In-Service Training, 7%
  • Safety Regulations, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%

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