What does a lifeguard manager do? – Tasks and work environment
Lifeguard managers are responsible for maintaining safety, order, and comfort in swimming pools, aquatic centers, and sometimes outdoor baths. The profession involves a combination of supervising pools, technical maintenance of facility equipment, and providing service to visitors. Daily tasks may include checking water quality, operating filtration systems, greeting guests, informing about rules, and sometimes leading basic exercise classes or swimming lessons. The work environment is often warm and humid, requiring both physical stamina and good communication skills, as lifeguard managers are often the first point of contact during incidents or emergencies.
Salary development over time
The salary for lifeguard managers has increased steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,300 SEK per month, followed by 31 000 SEK in 2023, and reached 32 400 SEK in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 7 percent over the period, which is slightly higher than the general salary development for many similar service occupations. Rising wages can partly be explained by increased demands for technical skills and safety responsibilities, as well as some local competition for qualified personnel. Despite this, the salary level remains lower than for other property maintenance roles, possibly due to relatively modest educational requirements and the demand for new lifeguard managers being assessed as unchanged nationwide.
Lifeguard manager salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 32 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 22,600 SEK/month (women), 26,500 SEK/month (men)
- Highest salary: 38,800 SEK/month (men), 37,900 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 195 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of men's salary (31 900 SEK vs 32 500 SEK)
- Regional differences: Current salary differences between regions are lacking, but variation may occur depending on employer and facility size.
Education and qualifications
To work as a lifeguard manager, a high school diploma, preferably with a focus on leisure, sports, or technology, is usually required. Many employers also require specific certifications in lifesaving and first aid. Practical experience from working in swimming pools or other service environments is advantageous, and technical interest is often a plus due to the mechanical equipment at facilities.
- High school diploma: Focus on leisure, sports, or technology
- Lifesaving certification: Usually required from the Swedish Lifesaving Society
- First aid and CPR training: Often mandatory
- Practical experience: Experience from aquatic facilities or similar environments is advantageous
- Technical skills: Basic knowledge of filtration systems and property maintenance facilitate work
Many lifeguard managers get the opportunity to lead water aerobics or swimming lessons, which means the profession often combines technical responsibility with pedagogical and social elements. Those who enjoy variety and daily contact with people may find the profession particularly stimulating.
Common benefits and compensations
Lifeguard managers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized training, and sometimes access to staff pools. Working hours can vary with evening and weekend shifts, which are sometimes compensated with overtime pay. Some employers also offer additional training in safety and technology as employee benefits.
Competition and challenges
Despite steady demand for aquatic centers and swimming pools, opportunities for employment as a lifeguard manager are considered relatively limited nationwide, according to the Swedish Employment Service. There is a surplus of qualified property maintenance workers, including lifeguard managers, which may increase competition for available positions. Challenges in the profession include high demands on responsibility, the ability to handle stressful situations, and preparedness to intervene during accidents. Physical fitness is essential, as well as the ability to interact with people with different needs in a safe and service-oriented manner.
Tips for aspiring lifeguard managers
To succeed as a lifeguard manager, it is important to combine a strong safety mindset with good social skills and technical interest. Being attentive and able to act quickly in unexpected situations is crucial, as is clear communication with colleagues and visitors. An interest in training and health facilitates the work, as the profession often involves leading or supporting activities in and around the pool. Engagement and a service-minded attitude are key to creating a safe environment for bathers. Flexibility and the ability to collaborate with different professional groups at the facility are appreciated by employers. Continuously updating your knowledge in lifesaving and technology can also provide a competitive edge and open opportunities for greater responsibility.
Key facts about lifeguard managers
- Education level: High school diploma with additional certifications
- Work environment: Indoor and outdoor pools, humid and active environment
- Typical work pattern: Shift work with evening and weekend shifts
- Demand: Limited opportunities nationwide, according to the Swedish Employment Service
- Special skills: Lifesaving, first aid, and facility technology
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a lifeguard manager can advance to roles such as supervisor, operations manager for aquatic facilities, or further education within property maintenance and technology. Some choose to specialize in swimming instruction, instructor roles, or safety management. Forecasts from the Swedish Employment Service indicate that demand for lifeguard managers is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, and currently, there is a surplus of qualified individuals in the profession. Nonetheless, job openings are still advertised – a total of 481 within the property maintenance group – so opportunities exist for those with the right skills and experience.
Frequently asked questions about lifeguard managers
- What is the average salary of a lifeguard manager?
- A lifeguard manager earns an average of 32 400 SEK per month.
- How large is the salary difference between men and women?
- Men earn an average of 32 500 SEK, while women earn 31 900 SEK, which corresponds to women earning 98% of men's salaries.
- What education is required to become a lifeguard manager?
- A high school diploma, supplemented with lifeguard and CPR certifications, is usually required.
- What are the future prospects for lifeguard managers?
- The forecast indicates that demand nationwide will remain unchanged and that there is a surplus of qualified individuals.
- Are there salary differences depending on region?
- Current statistics are lacking, but salary levels may vary depending on employer and location.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries within the profession?
- The highest salary is 38,800 SEK and the lowest is 22,600 SEK per month.
