A Guide to Seasonal Beach Jobs

Martin Pilat / https://www.flickr.com/photos/martinpilat/10659368396/

If you love the beach but don’t live near it, don’t let that stop you from getting your fill of salty waves and sand on your golden skin this summer. Maybe you like to vacation to the beach, but have you ever considered living and working there? Seasonal jobs are a great way to travel while making money, and though it’s not the best pay, you get an experience of a lifetime living and working in paradise.

But where to start? It’s easier than you may think.

Research and Figure Out What YOU Want
There are some great online tools to help navigate job postings and filter by state, personal preferences and more. Check out www.coolworks.com, which offers a vast amount of resources and allows you to  search seasonal job postings easily. If you are looking for beach jobs, research where you want to go and the kind of beach atmosphere you’re looking for.

Florida is a great option if you are looking for hot weather, warm water, and calmer currents. Lifeguard jobs are plentiful throughout the state whether on a public beach or at a resort, especially come spring and summer—but you need be certified in CPR and first aid. Most lifeguard jobs require employees to go through rigorous training prior to starting, so keep that in mind. It’s easy to get the certification you need, which can be completed in a a couple of weekends at a public pool.

If sitting in the hot summer sun for long periods of time is not your cup of tea, don’t despair. With summer comes summer camps for kids and when it’s on the beach there are tons of fun options. Whether you are looking to surf, get into paddle sports, sail, fish, or partake in beach sports or races—there something for everyone.

Know What to Expect
Seasonal jobs are great because it’s less pressure on paying bills and you get to travel. Although the pay is low, some resorts will offer employee housing and meals for free or will deduct a small percentage from your paycheck. But best of all, you will most likely be working with employees that share your beach loving sentiment, so get ready to hit the sand with new friends. Also, if working at a resort, you most likely will have access to beach equipment such as paddle boards, kayaks and surfboards, which is a huge plus when you have free time!

Speaking of free time, work schedules usually won’t be consistent and be prepared to work holidays—but remember, you are working and living where others vacation.

Most Importantly: JUST GO
With the resources out there to help get you set up, all you need to do now is get going! It may sound complicated and a lot of work, but if you do the research, all it takes is a simple email to an employer and the rest will follow on its own. You don’t need to spend the summer landlocked. Stop picturing the beach as a luxury for vacationers and make it your temporary home! Not only will you get to work on the beach, but it will be one hell of an experience, and who knows—after trying it out you may not want to ever leave!