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Work and Travel USA 2027

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Shipwreck Island has operated in Panama City Beach since 1976. It is a tropical-themed waterpark on 15 landscaped acres, with thrill slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and splash zones for younger guests.

Panama City Beach, Florida

Chcem túto pozíciu Nezáväzná registrácia

SeasonMay/June – Aug/Sep

Hourly wage$13.00 / hour

Average hours32 - 40 / week

LocationPanama City Beach, FL

Employer websiteVisit Shipwreck Islandshipwreckisland.com

Position and compensation

Roles, pay & dates

Both roles pay the same hourly rate. There are no tips and no overtime. Minimum English level: Advanced. Role titles, pay rates and dates as provided by the host.

Certification needed

Lifeguard2 positions

$13.00 / hour

Supervise the pool area, respond to emergencies and perform rescues as necessary.

Requirement: Pass the lifeguard test, certified on arrival
Start: May / June
End: August / September
Flexibility: Within your DS-2019 dates
Average hours: 32 - 40 / week
Training: 3 days, paid $13.00 / hour
Overtime: None
Tips: None
Uniform: Sunglasses & sandals with backstrap (you buy)

Kitchen

Line Cook2 positions

$13.00 / hour

Food prep, cooking, plating and expo.

Start: May / June
End: August / September
Flexibility: Within your DS-2019 dates
Average hours: 32 - 40 / week
Training: None
Overtime: None
Tips: None
Uniform: Sandals with backstrap & khaki or black pants (you buy)

Good to know

Highlights

Steady hours
An average of 32–40 hours per week.
Paid training
Training is paid at the regular $13.00 hourly rate.
Second job possible
Second job opportunities are available.
No transportation cost
Bike or walk to work, 1–5 miles from your housing.

Living in the USA

Shared house, bike or walk to work

Please consider this carefully. Bedrooms are shared by 3–4 people, and work is 1–5 miles from your housing (bike or walk).

Housing is a house or condo with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with 3–4 people per bedroom.

There is no advance rent. An additional housing fee of $350 is deducted from your first paycheck.

Housing$145 / weekNo advance rent.

Additional fee$350Deducted from your first paycheck.

3–4 per bedroom3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Bike or walk1–5 miles, transportation cost: none

Location

About Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is a resort city in the Florida Panhandle, on the Emerald Coast. It has 27 miles of white sand beaches and about 18,000 residents, and it is a popular spring break destination. Its slogan is “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”.

Spend your free time outside in nature or shopping downtown: the activities here are endless.

Visit Panama City Beach Florida

Beach

27 miles of white sand.

Bike

Bike to work, 1–5 miles.

Walk

Walking is also an option.

Weather

Hot and humid days, warm evenings: 73–90 °F (23–32 °C).

How to get there

Plan your arrival

Fly to ECP

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the closest airport, about 20–30 minutes by car from Shipwreck Island. From Europe you will usually need a connecting flight within the USA.

Taxi, Uber/Lyft or shuttle from ECP

The most convenient option, about 20–30 minutes. Book an Uber or Lyft in the app, or arrange a private shuttle in advance, especially with luggage. Expect roughly $30–$60 for a rideshare or about $55 for a pre-booked shuttle.

Fly to PNS

Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is an alternative, about 100–110 miles (160–177 km) from Shipwreck Island. You will also need a connecting flight within the USA. Flights can be cheaper, but the ground transfer is much longer.

Private shuttle from PNS

About 2–2.5 hours by road. Pre-book a private shuttle from the airport to Shipwreck Island. Expect about $220 for one or two passengers, plus about $10 for each extra passenger, so it pays to travel together.

Shipwreck Island Waterpark, 12201 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 · View larger map

Important details

Requirements & first days

Lifeguards must pass the lifeguard test and be certified on arrival.
Advanced English for interacting with customers.
A friendly, customer-oriented attitude.
Grooming: you must be presentable and clean.
Daily transportation: bike or walk to work, 1–5 miles from your housing. Getting to work costs nothing.
Uniform: you buy your own items. Lifeguards: sunglasses and sandals with backstrap. Line cooks: sandals with backstrap and khaki or black pants.
About seven days after you check into the program you apply for a Social Security card. You can start working before you receive it.

See the place