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Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 3,054 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Least exposedband 1 of 5
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Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 7% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Complete and maintain records of weather and beach conditions, emergency medical treatments performed, and other relevant incident information.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Patrol or monitor recreational areas, such as trails, slopes, or swimming areas, on foot, in vehicles, or from towers.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Rescue distressed persons, using rescue techniques and equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Contact emergency medical personnel in case of serious injury.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Warn recreational participants of inclement weather, unsafe areas, or illegal conduct.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

    Similar work
    +29% pay5,793 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 29% more—$48,284 vs your $37,511 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Oral Expression
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Monitoring
    • Speech Clarity

    New skills to build

    • Dynamic Flexibility
    • Extent Flexibility
    • Instructing
    • Education and Training
    • Dynamic Strength
  • Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians

    Similar work
    +1% pay119 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 1% more—$38,048 vs your $37,511 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Oral Expression
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Public Safety and Security

    New skills to build

    • Operation and Control
    • Control Precision
    • Rate Control
    • Reaction Time
    • Transportation
  • Orderlies

    Somewhat similar work
    +27% pay743 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 27% more—$47,780 vs your $37,511 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Static Strength
    • Speech Recognition

    New skills to build

    • Explosive Strength