Are you a water baby?

Doing a part time job that is focused around one of your passions in life can make going to your place of work each day a completely rewarding experience – a feeling that you aren’t even going to work and you are getting paid for something that you love doing.

If you are the type of person who loves to be around water – whether that be swimming pools, rivers and lakes or even the sea – then there are lots of part time jobs out there that you could consider that will help you to indulge your passion.

Some types of ‘waterworld’ jobs will see you actually in the water, whilst others will just have a watery theme. 

Some will be entry level jobs where you can learn the ropes and get some valuable work experience, whilst others will need you to have some relevant qualifications and / or training and experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the part time job ideas out there for those of you who love to be around water…

Part Time Lifeguard  

Being a lifeguard carries a huge responsibility as you are looking after the safety – and the lives – of those using swimming pools or the sea and lakes. This means you could be working indoors or outdoors, depending on the environment you are based in.

Lifeguarding is a classic job for those who love to be in the water and who are confident swimmers. 

It requires certification in first aid, CPR and water rescue techniques. So you will need to do some training if you haven’t got previous experience or qualifications. 

But it offers the chance to work at beaches, pools and water parks, while ensuring the safety of swimmers. 

Obviously, there are regular part time hours available – but part time lifeguard jobs could also be perfect for those of you who would prefer to do some seasonal work in the summer months.

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A LifeGuard?

When you are working as a lifeguard, your duties and responsibilities will include: 

  • Monitoring swimmers
  • Enforcing safety rules
  • Performing rescues and first aid
  • Keeping swimming pool areas clean and free of obstacles

What Are The Skills Required For Being A Lifeguard?

Part Time Swimming Instructor

If you have great swimming skills and you love to help people learn to swim – or to improve their swimming technique – then you could make a great part time swimming instructor.

Swimming instructors teach individuals of all ages how to swim, from basic water safety to advanced techniques. 

In the UK, you will need a SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualification to do this job. But it is a great way to share a love of swimming and help others gain confidence in the water. Hugely rewarding!

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Swimming Instructor?

  • Teaching swimming techniques and water safety
  • Planning and conducting swimming lessons for different abilities
  • Teaching different swimming strokes
  • Monitoring swimmers during lessons

What Are The Skills Required To Be A Swimming Instructor?

  • Proficiency in swimming
  • Swimming instructor certification
  • Patience with and teaching ability for people of all ages

Teaching people to swim is a hugely rewarding job where you can be satisfied that you have done your best to help someone learn important skills that could ultimately save their life. 

And some of your swimmers could even go on to join swimming clubs or teams and win competitions in the future. 

Part Time Deckhand Jobs

You will have to be agile and physically fit – but if you are the sort of water baby that loves to be on the water on boats, working as a deckhand is a great entry level job idea. 

Working as a deckhand on boats or ships is a hands-on job that involves assisting with the operation and maintenance of the vessel. 

It is a great way to gain maritime experience and can be a stepping stone to more advanced positions in the boat industry. If you are working on charter yachts, you will need to be able to communicate with the yacht guests as well as with your own team.

Again, whilst not exclusively related to summer work, if you prefer to do seasonal jobs, working as a deckhand this year could be a perfect summer job.

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Deckhand?

  • Assisting with docking and undocking
  • Performing maintenance tasks, including cleaning 
  • Handling cargo and equipment

What Are The Skills Required To Be A Deckhand? 

  • Basic seamanship skills
  • Physical fitness
  • Ability to follow instructions and communicate with fellow deckhands and superiors
  • Excellent communication skills with guests on yachts and other pleasure craft

Marina Attendant

If you are looking for the type of part time job that is going to involve a variety of duties and responsibilities and where no two days are the same, then you could consider working as a marina attendant.

Marina attendants assist the harbourmaster with the daily operations of marinas, including helping boaters with docking, handling bookings for boat stays, maintaining facilities and providing customer service. 

This role is ideal for those who enjoy being around boats and water activities.

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Marina Attendant?

  • Assisting boaters with docking and fueling in the marina
  • Maintaining marina facilities to keep the area clean and safe to use
  • Providing information about the marina
  • Taking booking for the marina and dealing with transactions
  • Communicating with boat owners and colleagues 

What Are The Skills Required To Be A Marina Attendant?

  • Customer service skills
  • Basic knowledge of boating
  • Attention to detail

Kayak or Paddleboard Instructor

Kayak and paddleboard instructors teach people the skills they need to be able to safely navigate and enjoy these water sports. 

This job often involves working at outdoor recreation centres, water parks, camps or resorts. 

As with swimming instructor jobs, you will be responsible for the safety of those trying out these activities and you will need to be able to show patience with those who might be struggling to conquer the skills – or their fears.

It can be a rewarding job when you see those you are teaching finally get going on the water. 

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Paddleboard Or Kayak Instructor?

  • Teaching paddling techniques and safety
  • Leading guided tours and excursions
  • Maintaining equipment

What Are The Skills Required To Be A Paddleboard Or Kayak Instructor?

  • Proficiency in kayaking or paddleboarding
  • Strong communication and teaching skills
  • Safety and first aid knowledge
  • You may also need coaching certification such as Paddlesport Leader Level 1 Award, Minimum Paddle UK (UKCC) Level 2 or BCU Level 3
  • There is no minimum amount of hours’ experience needed to become an instructor.

Aquarium Technician

Aquarium technicians help maintain aquariums and care for the aquatic life within them. If you love to be around aquatic life, this could be the type of part time job for you.

This entry-level position can be found in places like public aquariums, specialist pet shops or research facilities.

What Are The Key Responsibilities For An Aquarium Technician?

  • Feeding and caring for aquatic animals
  • Cleaning and maintaining tanks
  • Monitoring water quality
  • Communicating with visitors or customers

What Are The Skills Required For An Aquarium Technician?

  • Knowledge of marine biology basics – these can be learned whilst you are in the workplace, perhaps via an Apprenticeship
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to perform physical tasks

Surf Shop Assistant

Working in a surf shop can be a fun part time entry-level job for water enthusiasts. 

Duties typically include helping customers with equipment and gear, providing advice on surf conditions and maintaining the shop.

Naturally, for this type of role, you will most likely find surf shops in coastal areas where surfing is already a popular activity. If you are a surfing enthusiast, this type of part time job could be an ideal way for you to earn some extra cash and also indulge in your passion for surfing the waves.

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Surf Shop Assistant?

  • Assisting customers with purchases
  • Providing advice on surfing equipment
  • Stocking and organising merchandise

What Are The Skills Required For A Surf Shop Assistant?:

  • Knowledge of surfing equipment
  • Customer service skills
  • Enthusiasm for water sports

Water Park Attendant

Water park attendants help with the operation of water park attractions, ensuring that guests have a safe and enjoyable experience. 

This type of part time job is great for those who love a lively environment and working around children and families.

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Water Park Attendant?

  • Supervising water park attractions
  • Assisting guests with any necessary safety gear
  • Ensuring attractions are clean and safe

What Are The Skills Required For A Water Park Attendant?

  • Customer service skills
  • Attention to safety
  • Physical stamina

Boat Rental Attendant

If you live in an area where there are boating lakes, rivers and bays, then you might be able to find part time work as a boat rental attendant.

Boat rental attendants manage the rental of boats – including rowing boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and motorboats. They assist customers with equipment, provide safety instructions and ensure the proper use of rental items.

You will also be handling cash and card transactions, taking payment for the boat rentals.

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Boat Rental Attendant?

  • Renting out boats and relevant equipment
  • Providing safety instructions and guidelines
  • Maintaining and cleaning equipment

What Are The Skills Required To Be A Boat Rental Attendant?

  • Knowledge of boating and water safety
  • Customer service skills
  • Organisational abilities

Water Sports Camp Team Member

If you are looking to do seasonal work and you love to work with children, working as a camp team member at a summer camp with a focus on water sports can be a hugely rewarding job. 

Team Members lead activities like swimming, kayaking, sailing and more, while ensuring campers’ safety and enjoyment.

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Water Sports Camp Team Member?

  • Leading water sports activities
  • Supervising and ensuring campers’ safety
  • Creating a fun and engaging environment

What Are The Skills Required To Be A Water Sports Camp Team Member?

  • You will need to have proficiency in various water sports
  • Strong leadership and communication skills with children and young people
  • First aid and CPR certification

Pool Maintenance Technician

Pool maintenance technicians ensure that swimming pools are clean, safe and properly maintained. This job involves testing water quality and making sure the correct combination of chemicals are in the water to keep it clean and safe for swimmers and bathers.

Pool maintenance technicians also keep the tiles inside and outside of the pool clean and carry out minor repairs such as fixing pool pumps and lighting in the pool.

What Are The Key Responsibilities Of A Pool Maintenance Technician?

  • Testing and balancing pool chemicals
  • Cleaning pools and filters
  • Performing minor maintenance and repairs

What Are The Skills Required To Be A Pool Maintenance Technician?

  • Knowledge of pool maintenance – there are short courses you can take that will give you the skills and knowledge needed
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina

These are just a few ideas for the types of entry level jobs you can do if you are someone who loves to be around water. 

These entry-level jobs offer water enthusiasts the chance to work in environments they love while gaining valuable experience and skills. 

Whether it’s through teaching, guiding or assisting, these roles provide a great starting point for a career centred around water.