Sun, sand, and getting paid to save lives? Sounds epic. But how much cash are we talking about? How much do lifeguards get paid? Let’s break it down. If you’re eyeing a job that involves water, whistles, and maybe a few dramatic rescues (or just sunburn), this one’s for you.
So, Seriously… How Much Do Lifeguards Get Paid?
On average, in 2025, UK lifeguards earn about £12.18 per hour. That comes to roughly £24,000 a year if you work full-time. But here’s the kicker: most lifeguards don’t work full-time. The job often comes as part-time, seasonal, or shift-based. Your actual pay depends on where you work, what type of lifeguard you are, and who signs your paycheck.
Let’s break this down like a tide chart.
Beach Lifeguards: Sun, Surf, and Summer Paychecks
Beach lifeguards rule the summer. These heroes mostly work for the RNLI, the UK’s big sea-safety crew. Their gigs run from May to September. Think 40 hours a week, out on the coast, helping swimmers and giving the Baywatch vibe (minus the slo-mo running).
Pay? Not bad. The RNLI pays around £12.90 to £14.70 per hour. Some roles even start at £12.30, depending on experience. Not bad for a summer job, right? If you work a full season, that’s around £9,000 to £10,000 in your pocket.
Private beaches or holiday parks (like Haven) also hire lifeguards. But they usually pay a bit less. Haven lifeguards report earning about £17,500 a year full-time. Do the maths, and that’s around £10 to £11 an hour.
Pool Lifeguards: Whistles, Slides, and Year-Round Action
Want to remain as chlorine fresh? Take up pool gigs. Leisure centres, gyms and council pools are places that are always in need of individuals to monitor swimmers and other splashy children.
Lifeguards working fulltime at the local councils take home about £25,000 to £26,000 per year.That’s about £13 an hour. Part-time roles get pro-rata pay, so it still works out to a solid hourly wage.
Some council jobs even hit £23.5K to £25.1K a year for 20 hours a week. That’s a sneaky high hourly rate if you break it down. We’re talking £22 to £23 an hour in some cases.
Private leisure centres like Places Leisure or Nuffield Health pay a bit lower. Their average lifeguard makes about £17,400 to £17,500 a year. Again, that’s around £9 to £10 an hour.
Full-Time vs Part-Time vs Summer Work
Here’s how the pay compares based on job type:
- Full-time (37 hrs/week): £25K to £26K per year.
- Part-time (20 hrs/week): £23.5K pro-rata, so the hourly rate can be higher.
- Seasonal (May to Sept): £12 to £15 per hour. No year-round gig, but solid summer cash.
So yeah, your schedule really changes the size of your wallet.
Lifeguard Pay Does Change by Area
Your pay can shift based on postcode. Bigger cities and high-cost areas tend to pay more.
For example:
- Oxford lifeguards pull in about £13.50 an hour.
- London averages £13.44 an hour.
- Smaller towns like Crawley stick closer to £11.44 an hour.
So, the closer you are to a major city or coast, the higher your hourly splash.
Who Pays You and What That Means for Your Wallet
Let’s talk about employers.
RNLI
They run beach lifeguard services. Their pay is solid, their training is top-notch, and the tan lines are free.
- £12.30 to £14.70/hour.
- The season runs from May to September.
Local Councils
Most pool lifeguards work for councils. These are stable gigs with real pay bands.
- £25K+ per year for full-time.
- £23.5K (pro-rata) for part-time roles.
Private Companies
Gyms, leisure chains, and resorts hire lifeguards too. Pay is a bit lower, but shifts might be more flexible.
- Around £17.5K per year, full-time.
- Places like Haven and Nuffield keep things chill but may not splash as much cash.
Quickfire: Is Lifeguarding Worth It?
Pros:
- You stay fit.
- You get paid to hang by the pool or beach.
- You learn real lifesaving skills.
- You might save a life. That’s kind of epic.
Cons:
- Hours can be weird (early mornings, weekends).
- It’s not always sunny.
- Screaming kids. Enough said.
But for a first job, a summer hustle, or a gap year gig? Lifeguarding slaps.
Do You Need Training?
Yup. You can’t just grab a whistle and show up. Most places want you to have a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or beach lifeguard cert.
Some employers even pay you to train. The RNLI and some councils run funded training programs. So don’t let the cost stop you.
What Else Can You Do With Lifeguard Skills?
Being a lifeguard doesn’t have to be a dead-end gig. The skills you learn can open up other cool doors.
You can level up to become a lifeguard trainer. You could also move into sports coaching, fitness instructing, or outdoor adventure jobs. Want to travel? Resorts and cruise ships always need trained lifeguards.
Once you’ve got your NPLQ or beach cert, you’re sorted for all kinds of water-based jobs. You’re not just earning now — you’re building a career splash-by-splash.
Final Word: Should You Dive In?
Lifeguarding in 2025 still pays well, especially for teens and young adults. The hours are flexible. The view is great. And if you love water, it doesn’t get better than this.
You can earn more than most entry-level jobs no matter whether you are saving lives on the seaside or keeping cannonballs in check at the pool. It is not all about sitting around in sunglasses, okay? It is heavy stuff, with responsibility.
So, how much do lifeguards get paid? Enough to make it one of the coolest ways to earn money in the UK right now.
Ready to make waves? Enrol in our Lifeguard Course today and start your journey to an epic, paid summer job that actually makes a splash.
