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Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes to provide assistance and protection to participants.

U.S. Workers

143,590

Median Salary

$33,720

10-Year Growth

+5.8%

Annual Openings

42,700

Typical entry: No formal educational credential

Minimal RiskImminent Risk64%MEDIUM

15 of 15 tasks have some AI capability

Exposure Trend

Mar64.39%Apr64.39%May64.39%Jun64.39%

This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.

Fully Automatable (4)

AI could handle these end-to-end

Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.

AI: Fully automatable - AI systems can automatically detect emergencies and place calls or send notifications to emergency medical personnel through integrated communication channels.

imp: 4.9

Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.

AI: Fully automatable - AI can automatically collect weather and condition data, log incidents, and maintain detailed records with integrations and natural-language report generation.

imp: 4.2

Maintain quality of pool water by testing chemical levels.

AI: Fully automatable - Automated sensors and control systems driven by AI already can test chemical levels and dose treatment to maintain pool water quality without continuous human intervention.

imp: 4.1

Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.

AI: Fully automatable - AI can detect hazardous conditions from sensors/cameras and issue automated warnings via PA systems, apps, or notifications to participants in real time.

imp: 4.0

Human in the Loop (11)

AI could assist, human oversight required

Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.

AI: Partial - AI can provide real-time guidance, diagnoses, and telemedicine support, but cannot physically perform hands-on first aid or CPR tasks itself.

imp: 4.9

Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.

AI: Partial - AI and drones/robots can assist (e.g., deliver flotation devices or provide remote guidance), but cannot yet reliably execute complex, close-proximity physical rescues in varied environments.

imp: 4.8

Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.

AI: Partial - AI can generate instruction, coaching, and safety information and offer real-time feedback, but cannot universally replace in-person, hands-on supervision and physical assistance.

imp: 4.4

Patrol or monitor recreational areas such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.

AI: Partial - AI can monitor spaces via cameras, sensors, and drones to augment patrols, but cannot fully replace human on-foot or vehicle patrols and in-person response capabilities.

imp: 4.4

Observe activities in assigned areas, using binoculars, to detect hazards, disturbances, or safety infractions.

AI: Partial - Computer-vision and sensor systems enable automated observation and detection of many hazards, but they lack complete coverage and human-level situational judgment in all contexts.

imp: 4.3

Inspect recreational equipment, such as rope tows, T-bars, J-bars, or chair lifts, for safety hazards and damage or wear.

AI: Partial - AI-driven vision and sensor inspections can identify visible wear or anomalies, but hands-on tests and detailed mechanical assessments still require human inspection.

imp: 4.0

Inspect recreational facilities for cleanliness.

AI: Partial - AI can analyze images and sensor data to detect visible cleanliness issues and schedule inspections, but cannot fully replicate human judgment and tactile checks.

imp: 3.8

Provide assistance with staff selection, training, and supervision.

AI: Partial - AI can screen applicants, generate training content, and monitor performance metrics, but cannot fully replace human judgment and leadership in selection and supervision.

imp: 3.6

Provide assistance in the safe use of equipment, such as ski lifts.

AI: Partial - AI systems can provide instructions, monitoring, and predictive alerts for safe equipment use, but cannot physically assist users or manage complex on-site contingencies autonomously.

imp: 3.2

Operate underwater recovery units.

AI: Partial - Autonomous underwater vehicles and ROVs can assist in recovery tasks, but human divers/operators remain necessary for many complex, delicate, or variable recoveries.

imp: 2.9

Participate in recreational demonstrations to entertain resort guests.

AI: Partial - AI can generate scripts, coordinate multimedia demonstrations, or control animatronics, but cannot fully replicate live human performance and spontaneous guest interaction.

imp: 2.4

Skills for this role (35)

SpeakingCoreMonitoringCoreService OrientationCoreJudgment and Decision MakingCoreActive ListeningCoreCritical ThinkingCoreSocial PerceptivenessCoreCoordinationCoreLearning StrategiesUsefulComplex Problem SolvingUseful
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