Protective Service · SOC 33-9092
Water rescue, emergency medical response, and physical terrain patrol are tasks AI cannot perform.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: AI monitoring cameras may assist with hazard detection by 2029, but physical rescue and first-response duties make this one of the most automation-resistant roles in protective services.
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$57,050 median pay
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AI job-risk card
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers is 10/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
10 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Harder to automate: Physical rescue of distressed swimmers, Administering CPR and first aid, Patrolling terrain on foot or vehicle, Maintaining safe water chemistry.
Lean into Water rescue and CPR, Emergency medical response, Risk assessment in outdoor environments, Physical fitness and endurance. Consider roles such as Emergency Medical Technician or Outdoor Recreation Supervisor or Park Ranger.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.