Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and year-round water activities. With miles of coastline, pools, water parks, and lakes, the demand for professional lifeguards is high throughout the state. Whether you’re a high school student looking for a summer job or an adult seeking a rewarding and physically active career, becoming a certified lifeguard in Florida can be a great opportunity.
In this guide, we’ll explore where to get lifeguard certified in Florida by county, how to get started, and the best job opportunities to turn this into your dream job.
Why Become a Lifeguard in Florida?
Lifeguarding is more than just watching over swimmers. It's about saving lives, preventing injuries, and promoting water safety. In a state like Florida, lifeguarding isn’t just seasonal—it can be a year-round profession. Some reasons to pursue lifeguarding in Florida include:
High demand across coastal and inland counties.
Flexible job opportunities in pools, resorts, water parks, and beaches.
Great pay for part-time or full-time work.
A sense of purpose and responsibility.
Opportunity to grow into supervisor, trainer, or aquatic manager roles.
Lifeguard Certification: What You Need
To become a lifeguard in Florida, you need to complete a lifeguard certification course from a recognized organization such as:
American Lifeguard Association
These programs typically cover:
CPR/AED and First Aid
Water rescue techniques
Surveillance and scanning
Legal responsibilities
Emergency action planning
You must pass written tests, swim evaluations, and hands-on rescue drills to become certified.
Requirements:
Be at least 15 years old (age requirement varies slightly by organization).
Pass a pre-course swimming test (usually includes swimming 300 yards continuously, treading water, and retrieving a diving brick).
Complete all coursework and exams.
Where to Get Certified: County-Level Overview
1. Miami-Dade County
Top Training Providers: American Lifeguard Association (Miami), Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation
Highlights: With dozens of public beaches and pools, Miami is a hotspot for lifeguard jobs. Certification classes are held regularly in Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and North Miami.
Best Job Opportunities:
South Beach
Venetian Pool
City pools in Coral Gables and Homestead
2. Broward County
Top Training Providers: ALU of South Florida, American Lifeguard Association (Fort Lauderdale)
Highlights: Lifeguard training is offered through local Ys and city pools. Broward County beaches like Hollywood Beach and Deerfield Beach need seasonal and full-time lifeguards.
Best Job Opportunities:
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Quiet Waters Park
Paradise Cove Water Park
3. Palm Beach County
Top Training Providers: Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation, American Lifeguard Association
Highlights: The county offers certification courses in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach. Jobs range from beach lifeguards to pool monitors.
Best Job Opportunities:
Rapids Water Park
Delray Beach Ocean Rescue
City of Boca Raton pools
4. Orange County (Orlando Area)
Highlights: With world-famous theme parks and water attractions, Orange County has year-round lifeguard needs.
Best Job Opportunities:
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach
Universal’s Volcano Bay
Local hotel and resort pools
5. Hillsborough County (Tampa Area)
Top Training Providers: Tampa Metropolitan ALA, American Lifeguard Association
Highlights: Lifeguard training is available at ALA and through Tampa city pools. Ideal for students and young adults.
Best Job Opportunities:
Adventure Island Water Park
Tampa Bay beaches
Parks & Rec aquatic centers
6. Duval County (Jacksonville Area)
Top Training Providers: American Lifeguard Association,
Highlights: Jacksonville offers beach and pool lifeguarding. Courses are offered near Jacksonville Beach and downtown.
Best Job Opportunities:
Jacksonville Beach
Huguenot Memorial Park
ALA and city pools
7. Pinellas County
Top Training Providers: City of Clearwater Aquatics, American Lifeguard Association
Highlights: Clearwater and St. Pete Beach provide incredible lifeguarding opportunities.
Best Job Opportunities:
Clearwater Beach
St. Pete Beach
Highland Family Aquatic Center
Turning Lifeguarding into Your Dream Job
Lifeguarding is more than a stepping stone—it can evolve into a long-term career. Here’s how:
1. Advance Your Certifications
Once you’re certified, you can pursue additional training like:
Lifeguard Instructor Certification
Waterfront or Waterpark Specialization
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training
2. Grow into Leadership Roles
Many lifeguards go on to become:
Aquatics supervisors
Pool managers
Recreation coordinators
Safety trainers
3. Work in Exotic or High-Profile Locations
Once experienced, you can work at:
Cruise ships
Private resorts
International beach clubs
Luxury hotels
4. Promote Water Safety
Some lifeguards become community advocates for drowning prevention and water safety programs—especially important in a state like Florida.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking “Where can I get lifeguard certified in Florida?”—the answer depends on where you live or want to work. From Miami to Jacksonville, from poolside positions to oceanfront towers, Florida is one of the best states to launch or elevate a lifeguarding career. By getting certified through a recognized organization and taking advantage of the many training locations across counties, you can begin a fulfilling job that saves lives and brings purpose.
Whether you're starting out or looking to make lifeguarding your dream job, now is the perfect time to dive in.
