Lifeguards

Student and Graduate Roles: Lifeguards in the USA

Looking for a different kind of gap year? Love the sun, beach and pool? Then join a 5-star resort in the USA as a lifeguard to live the ultimate American summer dream.

International Working Holidays is looking for people to work as lifeguards in exclusive, 5-star resorts in the United States. Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually pretty easy to secure a visa for the USA - and IWH is here to help you every step of the way.

This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, as the relevant visa is only available to current students or recent graduates (within 12 months). So make the most while the time is right, and don’t miss out!

Locations

Current positions are available in Sea Island Resort, Georgia, and The Boca Raton, Florida.

Sea Island is a Forbes Five-Star Luxury resort located on a private island in Georgia. It is warm for most of the year, has six swimming pools, a 20 foot waterslide, beach activities including kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and kiteboarding. There’s also a bowling alley, arcade, and even a sea turtle conservation project, where team members help protect sea turtles nesting on the resort’s private beach. Sea Island is known for its friendly team, warm and welcoming hospitality, and positive environment. It’s got brand new, amazing staff accommodation with plenty of activities and support for overseas workers.

The Boca Raton is one hour from Miami, Florida. The resort has eight swimming pools, a half-mile private beach, a 450-foot lazy river, waterslides and luxury cabanas. Beyond lifeguarding, the resort has an 18-hole golf course, tennis, pickleball, a marina, boating activities, restaurants and extensive recreation facilities.

Roles and experience

These resorts are looking for lifeguards to work in their pools and beach clubs.

You do not need prior lifeguarding experience - as long as you can swim 250m and tread water for two minutes, you are eligible. You will undergo your American Red Cross Lifesaving certification upon arrival.

Benefits and inclusions

Not only will you be spending the year in a warm, sunny location with new friends - think sunshine, palm trees, swimming pools, beautiful beaches and long summer days - but you’re also getting to experience how the other half live. Both resorts are Forbes Five Star, extremely high end and prestigious. You’ll be living here for up to a year - a truly once in a lifetime experience.

Plus you’ll come home with an American Red Cross certification and a whole year’s work experience under your belt.

Affordable staff accommodation is provided, with regular activities and events in the calendar to help you make friends and settle in. Staff receive discounts on activities, merchandise, and meals - depending on your resort and role. Typically you’ll be working up to 40 hours a week, with more or less available depending on your role and the season.

Timing

Roles start in February/March, and again in October/November. Apply by the November to start in early 2027!

Eligibility

You must be a current student or graduate who has completed their studies within 12 months of departure. You must hold a NZ or Australian Passport.

How will I get there, and do I need to pay anything?

There are costs involved, including flights, insurance and programme fees. However, we offer an interest free financial assistance programme to help cover the majority of these costs if you are unable to pay up front.

How this works is rather than paying the fees and flights before you leave, the costs can be deducted from your wages each week. This programme is optional, with no hidden catches.

We will also organise your flights and transportation to the resort via our travel agent if you so wish!

Costs breakdown

The fees cover your job placement, visa sponsorship processing, visa paperwork,  insurance, pre-departure preparation and ongoing support in the USA. Flights are booked separately. Both the Programme Fee and flights can be covered by the financial assistance programme.

Application Fee - NZD $350

Insurance - NZD $600

Programme Fee - USD $2,150

Mates Rates promo

We also know that once-in-a-lifetime experiences like this are better shared with friends. For each friend you bring, receive an additional 10% off your Application Fee. Two of you means you both get 20% off the fee, three means 30% off, four means 40% off, and five mates gets you all 50% off your Application Fee. Just tell us when applying who your friends are so we can ensure the discount is applied.

Ready for the grad year of a lifetime? Apply today for a chat with our team!