The year 2025 has brought with it a growing concern across beaches, pools, and aquatic centers nationwide: a critical lifeguard shortage. This ongoing issue has reached new heights, with many facilities forced to reduce hours, limit access, or even shut down completely due to a lack of qualified staff.

As the demand for certified lifeguards surges, understanding the reasons behind this shortage—and why certified guards are more essential than ever—is crucial. Below, we break down the key factors contributing to this trend and what it means for public safety and employment.

1. Post-Pandemic Employment Shifts

Explanation:
The pandemic dramatically reshaped the labor market, and many industries are still feeling the aftershocks. Lifeguarding, traditionally filled by students and seasonal workers, saw a steep decline in new applicants during COVID-19. Now in 2025, many of those workers have moved on to other roles or industries offering remote work or year-round employment.

Impact:
This shift has left a void in the seasonal labor force, with fewer people pursuing lifeguard certification or returning to the role year after year.

2. Certification Requirements Have Tightened

Explanation:
Safety standards have become stricter across the aquatic industry. Certification programs are now more comprehensive, with additional training in CPR, first aid, and water rescue skills. These changes ensure lifeguards are better prepared, but they also raise the bar for entry.

Impact:
Many casual or part-time workers are hesitant to invest time and money into meeting these heightened requirements, further contributing to the shortage.

3. Aging Infrastructure and Expanding Facilities

Explanation:
As municipalities and private operators upgrade or expand aquatic facilities, the need for lifeguards grows. From water parks to luxury apartment pools, more lifeguard-protected venues are emerging every year.

Impact:
The number of available positions is rising faster than the number of certified individuals, leading to an imbalance between supply and demand.

4. Increased Focus on Public Safety

Explanation:
Public awareness of drowning risks and aquatic accidents has increased, especially among parents and facility managers. There's now a greater emphasis on hiring certified, experienced guards rather than relying on minimally trained staff.

Impact:
The demand is not just for more lifeguards, but for certified and highly competent ones, making trained professionals more valuable than ever.

5. Limited Training Accessibility

Explanation:
In many areas, access to lifeguard training programs remains limited. Some communities lack local certification centers, and others are faced with scheduling or transportation barriers. In rural and underserved areas, this issue is especially pronounced.

Impact:
Potential recruits are discouraged by logistical challenges, which reduces the number of newly certified lifeguards entering the workforce.

6. Competitive Job Market

Explanation:
Young job-seekers today have more options, including gig work, internships, and online roles. Many of these alternatives offer flexible schedules and less physical demand compared to lifeguarding.

Impact:
Without increased incentives or improved working conditions, it’s challenging to attract new talent into the field, even though the need for lifeguards is growing.

7. Increased Legal and Liability Pressures

Explanation:
With rising legal concerns surrounding public safety and liability, organizations are hesitant to operate without a full complement of certified guards. Insurance requirements also demand higher standards of safety personnel.

Impact:
Employers are actively seeking certified guards who meet regulatory and liability standards, pushing demand to unprecedented levels.

8. Seasonal Dependence and Workforce Fluctuation

Explanation:
Lifeguarding is inherently seasonal in many regions, creating inconsistent income and employment opportunities. This deters long-term commitment from many individuals who prefer year-round roles.

Impact:
This cyclical employment model makes it difficult to maintain a steady pool of trained and available lifeguards, especially outside of peak summer months.

9. Rising Pay and Incentives for Certified Guards

Explanation:
To combat the shortage, employers are offering higher wages, bonuses, and flexible schedules—but only for certified professionals. Some areas report hourly wages for lifeguards increasing by 20% or more.

Impact:
This economic shift underscores the premium placed on certification. Certified guards are not only more in demand—they’re also being compensated accordingly.

10. The Role of Lifeguards in Emergency Response

Explanation:
Beyond watching swimmers, certified lifeguards are trained first responders. They play a critical role in handling medical emergencies, preventing accidents, and enforcing safety protocols.

Impact:
As communities recognize this broader skill set, certified lifeguards are increasingly seen as essential safety personnel—not just seasonal hires.

Conclusion

The lifeguard shortage in 2025 is more than just a staffing issue—it’s a public safety challenge. With stricter standards, increased facility needs, and a changing labor landscape, the value of certified lifeguards has never been higher.

For those looking to enter the field, now is the ideal time. Certified lifeguards are not only in demand, but they are also respected, well-compensated, and vital to community safety.