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How much do lifeguard captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard captain in the United States is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who is the highest paid lifeguard?

The highest paid lifeguards are typically those in supervisory roles such as Lifeguard Captain or Head Lifeguard, especially in high-paying locations or private facilities. Salaries can reach over $50,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the facility's budget.

What are Lifeguard Captains?

Lifeguard Captains are supervisory personnel responsible for overseeing lifeguard teams and ensuring the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, or aquatic facilities. They manage daily operations, coordinate emergency responses, and provide training and guidance to lifeguards. Lifeguard Captains also enforce safety protocols, conduct regular safety drills, and communicate with management or emergency services when necessary. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining a safe and efficient aquatic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lifeguard Captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lifeguard Captain, you need advanced lifesaving skills, strong swimming ability, and certifications such as Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid, often with additional leadership training. Familiarity with rescue equipment, incident reporting systems, and emergency communication tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring team coordination, rapid emergency response, and maintaining safety standards for patrons and staff.

What is the difference between Lifeguard Captain vs Lifeguard?

AspectLifeguardLifeguard Captain
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, Leadership Training
Work EnvironmentPools, beaches, water parksPools, beaches, water parks, overseeing lifeguard teams
ResponsibilitiesMonitor swimmers, enforce safety rulesSupervise lifeguards, coordinate safety protocols

While both roles require CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard Certification, the Lifeguard Captain has additional leadership responsibilities, overseeing team safety and operations. Lifeguard Captains focus on team management, whereas Lifeguards primarily monitor water safety.

How much does a lifeguard captain make?

A lifeguard captain typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on location, experience, and facility size. They often oversee lifeguard teams, enforce safety protocols, and hold certifications such as CPR and first aid.

What does a lifeguard captain make?

A lifeguard captain's salary varies depending on location and experience, but in Hawaii, it typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, with annual salaries between $30,000 and $50,000. The role often requires advanced certifications, leadership skills, and experience managing lifeguard teams.

How does the role of a Lifeguard Captain differ from that of other lifeguards in terms of responsibilities and collaboration?

As a Lifeguard Captain, you take on a leadership role by supervising a team of lifeguards, coordinating schedules, and ensuring all safety protocols are rigorously followed. You'll be responsible for conducting regular training sessions, responding swiftly to emergencies, and facilitating communication between staff and management. The position requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills, as you'll collaborate with facility management and local emergency services, and provide guidance to new team members. This role offers opportunities to develop leadership abilities and can serve as a stepping stone to higher-level supervisory or aquatics management positions.

What is the 10-20 rule for lifeguards?

The 10-20 rule for lifeguards states that they should scan their assigned area every 10 seconds and actively monitor the water within 20 seconds to ensure quick response to emergencies. This practice helps maintain constant vigilance and improves safety in aquatic environments. Lifeguards often use scanning techniques and maintain certifications like CPR and first aid to effectively implement this rule.
More about Lifeguard Captain jobs
What job categories do people searching Lifeguard Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lifeguard Captain jobs are:
Lifeguard Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lifeguard Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 80% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,774 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Summer USCG Licensed Captain/Educator - Marine Science & Adventure Sports

New England Science & Sailing Foundation

Stonington, CT • On-site

Temporary

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Summary

The NESS USCG Licensed Captain - Marine Science & Adventure Sports (MSAS) Educator helps New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) implement high quality programming with an active, hands-on, experientially oriented marine science-based lessons. Programs are for students ages 11-17 in subjects such as powerboating, fishing, surfing, and adventure sports. Qualified applicants will hold at minimum an OUPV 6-Pack license issued by the US Coast Guard. They will be passionate, motivated, able to work within a team as well as on their own and have proven skills working with children of all ages. MSAS Educators will be assigned to support NESS programs based on educational background and previous experience. This is an hourly 40-hour per week position with occasional evening and weekend work. Schedules and end dates are flexible at the discretion of the Director of Programs.

Dates:

  • This seasonal position is employed at NESS for a maximum of 14 weeks from June 1-August 28 2026.
  • NESS runs a Lifeguard certification course from June 1-June 5, an incumbent employee's participation would be determined by the Director of Programs.
  • A mandatory training week for all staff runs from June 8-June 12.

The Captain MSAS Educator:

  • Designs and implements engaging hands-on NESS lessons throughout the Long Island Sound area, accessing areas via powerboat.
  • Is knowledgeable about NESS programs and serves as an ambassador for NESS when dealing with NESS's constituents
  • Exhibits a strong culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and customer service
  • Can operate with a high degree of awareness and knowledge related to assigned responsibilities
  • Works closely with other members of the NESS Education team to implement lessons on and off the water
  • Provides leadership to students and assists in overseeing junior instructors

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Maintains campus and offsite safety at all times
  • Implements NESS's Emergency Action Plan, as needed
  • Assists in inventory and maintenance of watercraft, watersports equipment and gear, including powerboats, kayaks, surfboards, SUPs, fishing gear, masks & snorkels, wetsuits, boogie boards, etc.
  • Assists in classroom inventory, maintenance and cleanliness

Requirements

Education/Certifications

  • USCG OUPV 6-Pack License or higher
  • BA or BS in Marine Science, Biology, Oceanography or a related science desirable
  • Teaching certification desirable
  • ARC Waterfront Lifeguarding, First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (Youth and Adults) (may be able to obtain at NESS)
  • Instructor certifications in kayaking, surfing, and powerboating (may be able to obtain at NESS)
  • Valid Driver's License & your own reliable source of transportation

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

  • Experience driving watercraft in Stonington Harbor area desirable
  • Experience in leading student-centered and inquiry-based programming
  • Skills and instructional experience in fishing, kayaking, powerboating, marine science, and/or surfing
  • Effective skills in written and verbal communications, problem solving, and decision making
  • Strong team player and excellent motivator
  • Ability to forge effective working relationships with NESS Educators, operations staff, administrative staff, students, and parents

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Compensation commensurate with experience.

NESS is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

About NESS: New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) offers a unique education model that empowers students with leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills to ensure academic success. It is NESS's mission to empower students with a love of learning through ocean-based experiential programs that serve schools, teachers, and families. Our goal is to advance academic opportunities for K-12 students of all backgrounds in both urban and suburban markets. We hope you will play a role in helping us continue this important educational missionin person, online, or on the water! This STEM-based curriculum includes marine science, sailing, power boating, and adventure sports. NESS is the first, and only, program of its kind to be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). For more information, visit www.nessf.org