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Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

SOC 33-9092.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers recreational protective service work in aquatic, slope, and outdoor trail environments, spanning patron surveillance, water rescue, emergency response, first aid, safety instruction, and facility documentation at community and commercial recreation facilities.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Recreational area boundaries and patrol routes — identify and follow under direct supervisor guidance during assigned shifts at an aquatic or outdoor facility.
  2. Basic rescue techniques and flotation equipment — demonstrate correct deployment under direct instructor observation in controlled pool or training scenarios.
  3. Emergency medical personnel contact procedures — initiate calls and relay essential incident information following facility protocols with supervisor oversight.
  4. First aid supplies and CPR procedures — apply foundational techniques on training mannequins or simulated casualties under certified instructor direction.
  5. Weather warning and hazard communication scripts — deliver to recreational participants using pre-approved language under supervisor guidance at a monitored area.
  6. Pool water chemical test kits — use to collect and record pH and chlorine readings following step-by-step facility checklists.
  7. Incident report forms and daily log templates — complete with weather conditions, patron counts, and basic observations using facility-provided documentation tools.
  8. Swimming and recreational safety precautions — communicate to participants using facility-prepared handouts and signage under staff direction.
  9. Patron behavior patterns and potential hazards — recognize common risk indicators on a pool deck or trail using basic monitoring checklists.
  10. Facility communication tools including instant messaging and email software — use to receive shift assignments and relay routine updates to supervisors.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Assigned patrol zones including trails, slopes, and swimming areas — monitor independently on foot or from towers during full shifts with minimal supervisor check-ins.
  2. Water and terrain rescue techniques and equipment — execute with confidence in routine distress situations at a community pool or recreational park.
  3. Emergency medical services coordination — manage initial contact and information handoff to EMS personnel during injury incidents without supervisor prompting.
  4. First aid assessment and CPR — perform on injured or unresponsive patrons in live-incident conditions using on-site medical supplies and trained judgment.
  5. Inclement weather alerts and unsafe area warnings — deliver proactively to recreational participants across a full venue based on real-time observation and facility weather protocols.
  6. Pool water chemistry test results — analyze, adjust chemical dosages, and document findings routinely within established safety parameters.
  7. Incident records and shift logs — complete accurately and submit on time using spreadsheet and word processing software, capturing all required medical and environmental data.
  8. Safety instruction for swimming or skiing activities — provide to small groups of participants using clear spoken explanations adapted to varying skill levels.
  9. Patron distress signals and behavioral cues — identify quickly through sustained selective attention across a busy recreational environment.
  10. Coordination with co-workers on overlapping patrol coverage — maintain through radio communication and shift briefings to ensure consistent area surveillance.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex multi-zone patrol operations covering trails, slopes, and water areas — oversee and execute autonomously, adjusting patrol patterns in response to crowd levels and environmental changes.
  2. Advanced water and terrain rescue scenarios involving multiple victims or hazardous conditions — lead on-scene response using full range of rescue equipment and techniques.
  3. Serious injury triage and emergency services liaison — manage autonomously, prioritizing interventions and communicating patient status to EMS using accurate medical terminology.
  4. First aid and CPR in high-stress, non-routine incidents — administer calmly and effectively, adapting techniques to patient condition and available resources in the field.
  5. Safety hazard and legal conduct violations — address directly with participants and escalate appropriately, exercising independent judgment under ambiguous conditions.
  6. Pool water quality management program — implement and troubleshoot across chemical testing, treatment adjustments, and regulatory compliance without supervisory input.
  7. Comprehensive incident documentation system — maintain using spreadsheet and electronic mail software, ensuring records support operational review and regulatory reporting.
  8. Recreational skills instruction for diverse patron populations — deliver effectively, applying learning strategies to accommodate different ages, abilities, and experience levels.
  9. Critical safety decisions under dynamic field conditions — make independently by integrating environmental data, patron behavior, and organizational protocols.
  10. Cross-functional problem solving during simultaneous incidents — coordinate response efforts across medical, environmental, and conduct-related emergencies on a single shift.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Facility-wide patrol and surveillance strategy — design and implement across all recreational zones, establishing coverage standards that reduce incident rates organization-wide.
  2. Rescue operations training curriculum — develop and deliver for new and returning staff using presentation and desktop publishing software, grounded in current industry standards.
  3. Emergency response protocols and EMS partnership agreements — establish and maintain at the organizational level, ensuring seamless integration with local emergency services.
  4. First aid and CPR certification training program — lead internally for all facility staff, setting competency benchmarks and evaluating readiness through structured assessments.
  5. Safety communication policy for weather, hazards, and patron conduct — author and institutionalize across multiple venues, ensuring consistent application by all protective service workers.
  6. Water quality management standards and regulatory compliance framework — oversee across facility systems, managing vendor relationships and documentation for health inspections.
  7. Incident data analysis and reporting system — direct using spreadsheet and word processing tools to identify trends, inform risk mitigation strategies, and report to organizational leadership.
  8. Recreational safety education program — lead for broad community audiences, integrating public safety messaging and evidence-based instructional design across seasonal programming.
  9. Staff performance standards and professional development pathway — establish for protective service teams, conducting evaluations and coaching workers through progressive skill levels.
  10. Organizational safety culture and integrity standards — model and champion across all staff, instilling dependability, stress tolerance, and ethical conduct as operational norms.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-generated safety briefing drafts — adopts suggested language from an AI writing assistant to compose hazard warnings and patron communications, while a supervisor reviews the final wording before posting Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Incident report composition — delegates first-draft documentation of rescue events and patron injuries to an AI assistant, then corrects factual details and timestamps from personal observation before submission Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Weather and hazard lookup — queries AI tools for plain-language summaries of incoming storm systems or UV index thresholds, cross-referencing official forecasts before issuing patron warnings WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Patrol log synthesis — directs an AI assistant to aggregate shift incident logs into a shift-summary report, retaining judgment over which patterns warrant supervisor escalation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Training scenario generation — prompts an AI tool to produce tabletop drill scripts for rescue and first-aid scenarios, then edits them to match site-specific terrain and equipment constraints Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Real-time situational monitoring — applies AI-assisted crowd-density or anomaly-detection feeds as a secondary input to visual surveillance, while maintaining primary responsibility for direct observation and intervention decisions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI-assisted risk-pattern analysis — evaluates AI-produced trend reports on historical incident data across patrol zones to recommend staffing adjustments and updated hazard-zone boundaries to management Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Protocol improvement leadership — commissions AI tools to benchmark current emergency-response procedures against published safety standards, then authors revised SOPs incorporating findings while applying professional expertise to override algorithmically suggested changes that conflict with on-site realities Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 36
Augment share: 3.6%
Time saved: 75%
AI autonomy: 3.42
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Monitoring
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Technology Use, Monitoring and Control
technology_use_monitoring_control
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication8 statements
Emerging
  1. Safety warnings — delivers basic verbal alerts to recreational participants about hazardous conditions or restricted areas in clear, direct language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Incident reporting — records basic details of emergency responses and weather conditions in written logs using provided templates O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Emergency coordination — relays injury status and location information to emergency medical personnel using accurate, concise terminology under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patron instruction — explains swimming rules, slope guidelines, or recreational safety precautions to individuals and groups with appropriate vocabulary for the audience O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Crisis communication — issues clear, authoritative directives to bystanders and injured parties during active rescues to manage crowd behavior and support emergency response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Incident documentation — completes thorough, accurate written records of emergency medical treatments, environmental conditions, and participant incidents for legal and operational review O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Multi-agency communication — coordinates information flow between patrol teams, emergency responders, and facility management during complex or mass-casualty incidents with precision and authority Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety briefing leadership — designs and delivers structured safety orientations for new staff and seasonal participants, adapting messaging to diverse audiences including non-native speakers and children Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Zone ownership — takes personal responsibility for monitoring an assigned patrol area or pool section and reports hazards without prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer support — assists fellow guards or patrol members with equipment setup and coverage tasks during routine operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Scene leadership — assumes initial command of an emergency scene, directing bystanders and coordinating basic first aid until senior personnel arrive Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Participant guidance — proactively identifies and redirects patrons engaging in unsafe behavior on slopes or in aquatic areas before incidents escalate O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Rescue team coordination — leads multi-person rescue operations, assigning roles to team members and managing equipment deployment under time-critical conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Shift accountability — oversees patrol coverage schedules, monitors team readiness, and ensures all posts are staffed and equipped at the start of each operational period Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Program leadership — mentors junior guards and patrol members through scenario-based training, modeling high-standard emergency response and cultivating team-wide safety culture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Operational improvement — identifies systemic gaps in patrol protocols or emergency response procedures and proposes evidence-based revisions to facility management Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Skill self-assessment — identifies personal gaps in first aid or rescue technique knowledge after training exercises and seeks clarification from supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning reflection — recognizes which rescue scenarios or emergency procedures require additional practice and communicates development needs to training coordinators Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Performance monitoring — evaluates own scanning patterns and response times after drills or real incidents to identify where attention management broke down Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Certification tracking — independently monitors expiration dates for CPR, first aid, and lifeguard certifications and initiates renewal before lapses occur Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Post-incident analysis — conducts structured self-review of emergency response decisions after each incident, identifying what worked, what failed, and what would be done differently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Fatigue awareness — monitors own alertness levels across long patrol shifts and applies targeted attention strategies to maintain surveillance effectiveness in high-monotony environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cognitive modeling — articulates personal decision-making frameworks for triage and rescue prioritization to trainees, making implicit expert reasoning explicit and teachable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive learning integration — synthesizes lessons from incident debriefs, near-misses, and updated emergency protocols into revised personal response strategies and shares improvements with the team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
  1. Hazard identification — distinguishes between normal recreational behavior and emerging safety threats during routine patrol based on observed physical cues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol application — selects appropriate first aid interventions for common injuries by matching observed symptoms to trained response procedures O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Environmental risk assessment — evaluates weather changes, water conditions, or slope visibility in real time and determines whether area closure or patron warning is warranted Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Triage decision-making — prioritizes multiple injured persons in a multi-victim scenario by assessing severity, stability, and available resources O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Incident causation analysis — examines contributing factors to recurring accidents on specific trails or pool zones and recommends targeted preventive interventions to supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Chemical safety evaluation — interprets pool water test results, identifies deviations from safe parameters, and determines corrective chemical dosing before patron exposure risk increases O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Dynamic rescue planning — synthesizes environmental variables, victim condition, available personnel, and equipment constraints in real time to select the safest and most effective extraction approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy critique — evaluates existing patrol protocols against current industry standards and emergency response research, presenting evidence-based recommendations for procedural updates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Team coverage — coordinates zone transitions with fellow guards or patrol members during breaks to ensure no area is left unsupervised Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Equipment sharing — communicates availability and location of rescue equipment to teammates during joint operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Two-guard rescue execution — performs assigned roles in a two-person aquatic rescue or slope evacuation, maintaining role discipline and verbal check-ins with the partner Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Inter-agency cooperation — works alongside emergency medical technicians and law enforcement during incident response, providing accurate handoff information and deferring to medical authority O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Coordinated emergency response — integrates with multi-agency teams during complex rescues or mass-casualty events, maintaining communication protocols and adapting to evolving command structures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Shift team cohesion — shares observational intelligence about patron behavior patterns and environmental changes with oncoming shift personnel through structured briefings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-functional safety planning — collaborates with facility operations, medical staff, and ski resort or aquatic management teams to co-develop seasonal emergency response plans and training exercises Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict de-escalation partnership — works with a colleague to jointly manage confrontational patrons refusing to comply with safety rules, maintaining unified messaging and shared situational awareness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Duty compliance — reports to assigned patrol post on time, maintains required vigilance standards, and avoids distractions that compromise patron safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Honest reporting — accurately documents incident details and personal actions in emergency reports without omission or embellishment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Impartial enforcement — applies safety rules consistently across all patrons regardless of age, group affiliation, or perceived social status Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional composure — maintains calm, respectful conduct when confronted by non-compliant or agitated patrons in high-stress enforcement situations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Accountability ownership — takes direct responsibility for patrol coverage failures or delayed responses, reports errors transparently to supervisors, and participates in corrective review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Confidentiality integrity — handles sensitive incident reports, victim medical information, and legal documentation with strict discretion in compliance with facility privacy standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical modeling — demonstrates and articulates professional conduct standards to junior staff, holding the team accountable to safety protocols even when enforcement is socially uncomfortable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous advocacy — raises unresolved safety deficiencies or equipment failures to facility leadership through appropriate channels, persisting until corrective action is taken Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Improvised safety solutions — adapts available materials to mark hazardous areas or stabilize an injured person when standard equipment is unavailable in the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Engagement variation — uses different communication styles or visual demonstrations to explain safety rules to children, elderly patrons, or non-English speakers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Scenario problem-solving — generates alternative rescue approaches when a primary extraction method is blocked by environmental obstacles or crowd conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prevention signage — proposes or creates informal visual safety reminders for recurring hazard zones that supplement posted rules and reduce repeat incidents Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Drill design — develops realistic training scenarios for team practice that replicate the most challenging or least-practiced emergency situations encountered at the specific facility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Patron safety programming — designs engaging safety instruction activities for recreational participants that increase rule retention beyond standard verbal briefings O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Protocol innovation — develops novel patrol rotation strategies or surveillance techniques tailored to the specific geography and patron volume of a facility, measurably reducing incident frequency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Community safety outreach — creates original educational materials or public awareness campaigns targeting high-risk recreational behaviors unique to the local environment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts performance critiques from supervisors after drills or incidents and applies corrections in subsequent practice without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill building commitment — voluntarily repeats rescue techniques that did not meet proficiency standards during certification training until competency is achieved Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Incident learning — extracts actionable lessons from every emergency response regardless of outcome and incorporates them into future decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Certification pursuit — proactively seeks advanced certifications such as Wilderness First Responder or advanced lifeguard instructor credentials beyond minimum job requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Setback resilience — returns to full patrol effectiveness after responding to a traumatic or unsuccessful rescue, processing the experience constructively rather than withdrawing from duty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Protocol adaptation — embraces updates to emergency response guidelines or equipment changes as opportunities to improve effectiveness rather than disruptions to routine Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mastery culture cultivation — establishes a team norm of continuous improvement by publicly celebrating learning from near-misses and framing debriefs as growth exercises rather than blame assessments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-domain learning integration — applies insights from courses in psychology, emergency management, or physical conditioning to enhance patrol performance and shares transferable lessons with peers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Scan discipline — maintains structured visual scanning patterns across the assigned zone throughout the shift rather than fixating on individual patrons or distractions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional check-in — recognizes personal stress or anxiety before beginning a shift and applies basic grounding techniques to establish focus before taking post Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Attention recovery — notices when vigilance has drifted due to fatigue or environmental monotony and actively resets scanning focus using practiced attention strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress regulation under response — maintains deliberate, measured actions during active rescues by controlling breathing and pacing internal reactions to prevent performance degradation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Environmental presence — maintains simultaneous awareness of patron behavior, weather shifts, water conditions, and team positioning across the full patrol zone without attention fragmentation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Post-incident recovery — intentionally transitions emotional state after a distressing rescue through structured debrief and self-regulation practices before resuming surveillance duties Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Team mindfulness coaching — teaches fellow guards attention management and stress regulation techniques, improving collective vigilance and reducing response errors across the shift team Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Anticipatory awareness — detects subtle pre-incident behavioral cues such as patron fatigue, peer pressure dynamics, or environmental deterioration before overt danger emerges, enabling preventive intervention Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Environmental endurance — maintains alertness and patrol effectiveness across full shifts in adverse conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, or precipitation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict tolerance — enforces safety rules with difficult or non-compliant patrons repeatedly throughout a shift without abandoning enforcement standards due to social discomfort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. High-stakes composure — initiates and sustains rescue efforts for a struggling swimmer or injured slope victim despite personal fear, physical exertion, or chaotic scene conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained vigilance — resists complacency during extended low-incident periods by maintaining full patrol standards even when hours pass without emergency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Trauma resilience — continues professional patrol duties following exposure to serious injury, cardiac arrest, or fatality incidents without requiring extended removal from service Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Prolonged rescue persistence — sustains physical and mental effort through extended water rescues, slope evacuations, or search operations lasting beyond initial planned response duration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crisis leadership under pressure — maintains decision clarity and team direction during mass-casualty events or multi-hour emergency operations when resources are strained and outcomes are uncertain Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional advocacy persistence — continues to pursue resolution of unaddressed safety infrastructure deficiencies through repeated escalation despite organizational resistance or slow administrative response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Aquatics Coordinator · Aquatics Lifeguard · Aquatics Specialist · Beach Attendant · Beach Lifeguard · Bus Monitor · Certified Lifeguard · Certified Ski Patroller · Gamewell Operator · Life Guard · Lifeguard · Marine Safety Officer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
MonitoringSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationActive ListeningLearning StrategiesCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingCritical Thinking
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServicePublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingMedicine and Dentistry
Abilities
Problem SensitivityFar VisionOral ExpressionSelective AttentionSpeech ClarityOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionDeductive ReasoningFlexibility of ClosurePerceptual Speed
Work styles
DependabilitySelf-ControlStress ToleranceCooperationCautiousnessIntegrity
Technology
Instant messaging softwareSpreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareDesktop publishing softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  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. Instruct participants in skiing, swimming, or other recreational activities and provide safety precaution information.
CIP education codes
03.0208

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.