Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers
SOC Code: 33-9092
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $33,720 and +5.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 149,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 39% AI exposure, Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers sits 2 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 65% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers has ai exposure of 39%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers (SOC 33-9092) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 149,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.8% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $33,720, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.
- 2. Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.
- 3. Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.
- 4. Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.
- 5. Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.
- 6. Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.
- 7. Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.
- 8. Observe activities in assigned areas, using binoculars, to detect hazards, disturbances, or safety infractions.
- 9. Operate underwater recovery units.
- 10. Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.
Key Skills Required
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Active Listening
- Learning Strategies
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Psychology
- Administration and Management
- Chemistry
- Therapy and Counseling
- Foreign Language
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers?
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers is projected to grow by 5.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 149,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers?
Key skills for Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers include Monitoring, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers earn?
The median annual wage for Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers is $33,720, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers?
The typical entry-level education for Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers?
Lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).