Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Keep an eye out for people using recreational facilities and help them if they need it. This could include a swimming pool, a beach, or a ski hill.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT LIFEGUARD, SKI PATROL, AND OTHER RECREATIONAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE WORKER CAREERS

Recreational protective service professionals such as lifeguards, ski patrol members, and others who monitor other recreational sites help to keep outdoor recreation safe. Accident prevention is an important aspect of these employment. Protective service employees advise individuals about dangerous situations and discourage risky behaviour, and they are specifically trained to respond when catastrophes occur. 

Lifeguards are continually scanning the waterways for anyone who may be in distress. If they see someone in danger, they act quickly. To save a struggling swimmer, they may utilise flotation devices, ropes, poles, or specially built wave runners. Lifeguards must pass life-saving and CPR certification classes in addition to being strong swimmers in good physical shape. 

Ski patrollers protect skiers and snowboarders by maintaining trails and flagging dangerous ones. They assist in educating an unsafe skier or tending to someone in difficulty. Ski patrollers almost never operate alone. Collisions and falls at speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour down a ski slope can cause serious injuries. It involves well-practiced collaboration to stabilise injured skiers and transport them to competent medical treatment as soon as possible. 

Ski patrollers must be able to ski in all weather and through any terrain while carrying heavy rescue equipment. They are usually CPR certified and must also be EMT certified. Many ski patrollers are unpaid. Some large resorts employ both volunteers and patrollers. 

If you enjoy swimming or skiing, these careers are one opportunity to put your skills to use. Because most jobs are seasonal, it's great for anyone looking for temporary work with a good wage. Recreational protection service professionals come from a variety of backgrounds, but they are all dedicated to encouraging fun and safety on the slopes or on the lake. 

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Characteristics

Leadership
Exposure to job hazards
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Comfort of the work setting
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Communication with others
Competition for this position
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Critical decision making
Level of responsibilities
Physical demands
Dealing and handling conflicts

Activities

Assisting and Caring for Others Know More
Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Getting Information Know More
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Performing General Physical Activities Know More
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

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Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Complex Problem Solving Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Learning Strategies Know More
Monitoring Know More
Service Orientation Know More
Social Perceptiveness Know More
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