20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You often split time between guarding and pool care. Mornings can start with testing chemicals (chlorine, pH) and logging results in Microsoft Excel or paper records, then opening the pool and inspecting decks and filters.
Afternoons are mostly monitoring swimmers, warning people about unsafe behavior, and giving first aid if needed. Evenings include backwashing filters, recording incidents or treatments in Microsoft Word or Outlook, and prepping lesson materials or training plans.
You’ll use Microsoft Excel for water testing logs, chemical inventories, and schedules. Excel tables and simple formulas record chlorine and pH readings over time.
Microsoft Word creates incident reports, training outlines, and lesson plans. Outlook schedules and emails staff or emergency contacts. PowerPoint or Publisher are used if you prepare training slides or handouts for lessons or safety demos.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 157,550 people were employed in 2025 as lifeguards and pool maintenance workers. The median annual wage was $33,580; the lowest tenth was $25,780 and the top tenth was $43,970.
You usually need a lifeguard certification (from the American Red Cross or YMCA) and CPR/first aid. These certify you to give first aid and contact emergency medical personnel when needed.
Pool operators often get a state or local pool operator certificate to learn chemical testing and safety protocols. Employers may also train you on using their Excel logs and incident report templates in Word.
A swim instructor focuses on teaching swimming skills—planning lessons, adapting teaching for abilities, and tracking student progress. You’ll use teaching strategies and provide lesson materials regularly.
A pool maintenance worker/lifeguard mixes safety, cleaning, and basic instruction. You spend more time testing water, inspecting facilities, and monitoring safety than a full-time swim instructor, and less on budgets and staff hiring than a pool manager.
Yes, AI can draft lesson outlines, training slides, or a first pass at incident reports, but never rely on it for medical or legal facts. Always verify chemical numbers, medical steps, and exact incident details yourself.
Keep personal data out of AI prompts (no full names, addresses, medical records). After AI drafts, copy the text into Microsoft Word or Outlook, check accuracy, and add your signature and timestamps.
Learn to test and adjust pool chemicals reliably: measure chlorine and pH, record readings in Excel, and know when to close the pool. That keeps water safe and prevents many incidents.
Also get strong observation and communication skills: spotting hazards, warning guests, giving clear instructions, and writing concise incident reports in Word or email in Outlook. Basic CPR/first aid is essential.