Optional · 1 of 3

Certifications that open doors

• Water safety instructor

  Lets you teach swim lessons, which pays better per hour than guarding and runs all year.

• Lifeguard instructor

  You train and certify new guards. Usually needs a couple of seasons of experience first.

• Pool operator certification

  Water chemistry and pump rooms. It is what turns a summer job into an aquatics management career.

• Outdoor emergency care for ski patrol

  The winter version of the same survey group. National Ski Patrol training plus strong skiing or snowboarding.