How Much Do Lifeguards Make?

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a lifeguard, you’ve probably asked the question, How much do lifeguards make in the UK?. The answer can change depending on where you work and who you work for. Some lifeguards keep people safe at pools, while others protect swimmers on busy beaches or lakes. Your pay also depends on your training and experience.

Across the UK, lifeguards usually earn between £11 and £13 an hour. If you work full-time, that adds up to around £24,000 a year. But many lifeguard jobs are seasonal or part-time, so your total earnings might be lower. Beach lifeguards or those working with the RNLI often earn more, usually between £12.90 and £16.55 an hour. This higher pay comes with extra responsibility and tougher working conditions. Still, being a lifeguard isn’t only about the money. It’s about saving lives, staying fit, and spending your days by the water doing something meaningful.

What Does a Lifeguard Do?

A lifeguard’s job is more than just sitting by the water. Every day brings something new and exciting. They watch swimmers closely and spot any danger before it turns serious. They also help prevent accidents by reminding people to follow safety rules and stay alert.

When something goes wrong, lifeguards act fast. They rescue swimmers, give first aid, and even perform CPR when needed. It takes courage, focus, and a calm mind. Besides that, they check safety equipment like life rings and first aid kits to make sure everything works well. They also keep records of their daily checks and any incidents.

It’s a job full of responsibility, but it’s also full of pride — knowing you help keep people safe every single day.

How Much Do Lifeguards Make?

“Money matters, right? So, how much do lifeguards make in the UK?”. Pay can vary, but here’s a simple breakdown:

• Most full-time lifeguards earn between £22,000 and £24,500 a year.
• Some leisure centres and private gyms pay slightly more, especially for experienced staff.
• Online job sites show an average salary of about £24,420.
• Seasonal beach lifeguards often earn a similar total because their hourly pay is higher.

The work can be demanding, but it’s also rewarding. You stay fit, enjoy the outdoors, and take pride in keeping people safe.

If you want to see more about lifeguard pay across the UK, head over to Wise Campus’s blog — “How Much Does a Lifeguard Make in the UK?”. It breaks everything down clearly and gives helpful tips about boosting your earnings.

How Much Do Lifeguards Earn Per Hour?

Curious about what lifeguards earn by the hour? Let’s dive into it! Pay can change based on where you work and your experience.

• Council or leisure pool lifeguards usually earn £11 to £12.50 an hour.
• RNLI lifeguards in 2025 make about £12.90 to £14.70 an hour, and some in the South East earn up to £16.55 an hour.
• New lifeguards in smaller pools may start lower, around £10 to £11 an hour, especially outside big cities.
  

As you get more training and skills, your pay can go up too. Still, the best part of this job is knowing you help keep people safe every day.

Do Lifeguards Earn More at Pools or Beaches?

So, where do lifeguards earn more — at pools or beaches? The answer is simple: beaches usually pay more. The work can be tougher, but the rewards are great too. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Beach lifeguards often earn higher pay because conditions are harder and training is more advanced.
• RNLI beach lifeguards usually earn above most pool rates, thanks to their skills and experience.
• Pool lifeguards earn a little less, but their jobs are steady and available all year.
• Pools also offer regular hours and a safer environment, which many people prefer.

Both roles have their perks — beach lifeguards enjoy the sun and adventure, while pool lifeguards enjoy stable work and peace of mind.

How Much Do Lifeguards Make in the UK?

Let’s talk about how much lifeguards earn in the UK. On average, lifeguards make around £24,420 a year. The amount can change depending on where you work, your experience, and the type of lifeguard job you have.

In London, many lifeguard roles are part-time or offer lower local pay rates, which means the yearly salary is often between £19,000 and £22,000. However, some leisure centres and private gyms may offer a little more for experienced lifeguards or team leaders.

Beach lifeguards usually earn higher pay because their job is more challenging. They deal with changing tides, strong waves, and large crowds, so they need extra training and fitness. Most beach lifeguards make between £22,000 and £26,000 for the season, depending on location and hours worked.

Some lifeguards also earn extra money through overtime, weekend shifts, or by taking on extra responsibilities like supervising a team or giving swimming lessons. Even though the pay can vary, lifeguarding is a rewarding career. You get to stay fit, work outdoors, and make a real difference by keeping people safe. Every shift brings pride and purpose.

Does Experience Affect a Lifeguard’s Pay?

Absolutely! Experience plays a huge role in how much a lifeguard earns. The longer you’ve been on the job, the more confident, skilled, and trusted you become — and that’s something every employer values.

Lifeguards with several seasons of experience or strong first aid and rescue skills often get hired faster and earn better pay. Many employers look for people who can handle pressure, manage emergencies, and train new staff — all skills that come with time and practice.

Here’s how experience can boost your earnings:

• Experienced pool or beach lifeguards often earn £1–£3 more per hour than new starters.
• Supervisors or senior lifeguards can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 a year, depending on the centre or location.
• Extra qualifications, like a Pool Plant Operator certificate, advanced lifesaving, or AED and first aid training, can help you move up faster.
• With more experience, you may also get better shifts, such as daytime or full-time contracts, instead of seasonal or part-time hours.

Experience also gives you more than just a higher paycheck. You gain confidence, leadership skills, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to keep people safe every day. Many senior lifeguards even go on to become trainers, coaches, or leisure centre managers — all thanks to the experience they built on the poolside or beach.

So yes, experience doesn’t just pay — it opens doors to a long and rewarding career in lifesaving.

How Much Do Senior or Head Lifeguards Earn?

Moving up to a senior or head lifeguard job is a big step — not just for your career but also for your pay. It’s a role that comes with leadership, responsibility, and pride. You’re no longer just watching swimmers; you’re guiding a team and making sure everything runs safely and smoothly.

Here’s a closer look at what senior lifeguards usually earn:

• Most senior or head lifeguards earn between £25,000 and £28,000 a year.
  
• In large leisure centres or big cities, salaries can rise to £30,000 or more.
  
• Some multi-site supervisors or duty managers can even reach £32,000–£35,000, especially if they oversee several pools or facilities.
  
• Taking on extra duties like training new lifeguards, running safety drills, or managing pool operations can also boost your income.
  

These roles aren’t just about money — they bring real satisfaction. You become a leader others look up to, and you get to use your skills to create a safe, positive environment for swimmers and staff.

With time, experience, and more qualifications (like Pool Plant Operations, First Aid at Work, or Leisure Management courses), you can move even higher — into Duty Manager or Leisure Centre Manager positions. These jobs often pay £35,000–£45,000 a year, giving you both stability and long-term growth.

So, working your way up as a lifeguard doesn’t just mean a bigger paycheck — it’s also about earning respect, leadership experience, and the chance to build a rewarding career in the leisure industry.

Do Lifeguards Get Paid More for Extra Shifts or Training?

Yes, many lifeguards earn extra money by taking on more shifts or completing extra training. It’s a smart way to grow your income and improve your skills at the same time.

Here’s how it works:

• Evening and weekend shifts often pay more because fewer people want those hours.
• Bank holidays usually offer higher rates too, so those days can be great for extra cash.
• Beach lifeguards sometimes earn a bonus rate due to tougher working conditions and outdoor challenges.
• Extra training like First Aid at Work, AED use, or NPLQ renewals makes you more valuable to employers.
• More qualifications can open doors to higher positions, such as Lead Lifeguard or Supervisor.
• Flexible contracts may also give you more chances to pick up overtime when centres get busy.

So, if you’re happy to work a few extra hours or learn new skills, you can definitely boost your pay and career growth as a lifeguard.

What Qualifications Help Lifeguards Earn More?

If you want to boost your pay as a lifeguard, the right qualifications can really make a difference. The more skills you bring, the more valuable you become — and that often means better pay and more shifts.

Here are some useful qualifications to help you earn more:

• NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification) – this is the main one for pool lifeguards
  
• RNLI Beach Lifeguard Qualification – perfect if you want to work by the sea.
  
• First Aid at Work or Advanced First Aid – these show you can handle emergencies calmly and quickly.
  
• Pool Plant Operator or Supervisor Certificates – great if you want to move into management or technical roles.
  

Each new qualification gives you extra confidence and helps you stand out. With more skills, you can take on bigger roles and enjoy a higher rate of pay.

Final Thoughts: Is Being a Lifeguard Good Pay?

Being a lifeguard is more than just a summer job — it’s a career filled with purpose, pride, and the chance to make a real difference. You stay active, gain valuable life-saving skills, and enjoy every day by the water. The pay can grow as you gain more experience and qualifications, and there are always opportunities to move up or take on new challenges.

If you’re ready to start your journey and earn your qualifications, the Lifeguard Course at Wise Campus is the perfect first step. It covers everything you need to become confident, qualified, and job-ready. With expert guidance and flexible online learning, you can build the skills that open doors to a rewarding and meaningful career.

Start your training today — your future as a lifeguard begins here!

FAQ

How much does a 16-year-old lifeguard make?

• A 16-year-old lifeguard usually earns between £10 and £14 an hour. Pay depends on where you work and your experience.

Do lifeguards make a lot of money?

• Lifeguards in the United States earn about $16.30 per hour on average. Pay can change based on location and experience.

What are the 4 types of lifeguards?

• There are four main types of lifeguards: pool, waterpark, waterfront, and surf. Each type trains for different water environments.

Who is the highest-paid lifeguard?

• The highest-paid lifeguard is Daniel Douglas, a lifeguard captain in Los Angeles. He earns about $510,000 a year, including overtime and benefits.

How rare is a 100k salary in the UK?

• Earning over £100,000 a year is quite rare in the UK. It puts you among the top 1–2% of earners.