Landing a job as a lifeguard takes more than just swimming skills. You need to showcase your ability to handle emergencies, enforce safety rules, and provide excellent supervision. That’s why the interview is crucial – it determines if you have what it takes to keep the pool and swimmers safe.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 30 lifeguard interview questions you’re likely to face. Plus, you’ll get sample responses to each question from a career coach to help you impress interviewers and clinch the job offer.
Whether you’re preparing for your first lifeguard interview or are a seasoned pro, use this advice to showcase your qualifications and readiness for the responsibilities of this vital role. Let’s dive in!
Key Lifeguard Skills and Responsibilities
Before we get to the questions it’s helpful to understand the core lifeguard skills and duties interviewers want to see. These include
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Swimming ability – You need strong swimming skills and endurance to perform rescues.
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Emergency response – Assessing situations quickly and responding effectively to medical emergencies
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Surveillance – Keeping vigilant watch over the pool area to anticipate potential dangers.
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Rule enforcement – Ensuring swimmers follow safety guidelines through firm but friendly rule enforcement.
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Customer service – Providing excellent supervision while maintaining a welcoming environment for all.
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Cleanliness and maintenance – Keeping the pool and surrounding areas clean and hazard-free.
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Decision making – Using sound judgement to make quick decisions in emergency scenarios.
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Communication skills – Communicating clearly with swimmers and team members.
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Calm under pressure – Remaining composed in stressful situations.
Keeping these key areas in mind will help you demonstrate your readiness for the lifeguard role in your interview responses. Now, let’s get to the top questions!
General Interview Questions
1. Why do you want to work as a lifeguard?
This opening question allows you to share your motivation for pursuing this role. Focus on your passion for water safety, desire to help people, and interest in first aid.
Example: “I’m extremely passionate about water safety and helping others, so lifeguarding is the perfect way for me to pursue both. I’m also fascinated by emergency medical response and look forward to developing my first aid skills on the job. Most of all, I love working in aquatics and making a positive difference in my community.”
2. What do you know about our facility and why do you want to work here?
Research the facility so you can highlight specific reasons you’re excited to work there. Talk about the amenities, programs, and culture that appeal to you.
Example: “From my research, I know Camp Aquatica places a huge emphasis on swimmer safety and skill development. The variety of pools and programs is really impressive! I’d love to work here because your culture sounds collaborative and I appreciate your community outreach efforts, like the free swim lessons for kids. This aligns perfectly with my values.”
3. What do you think are the most important qualities for a lifeguard to have?
Focus on responsibility, alertness, problem-solving, communication skills, and calmness under pressure. These align with the duties of a lifeguard.
Example: “The most important lifeguard qualities are vigilance, quick thinking, and calmness under pressure, as you often need to make critical decisions in emergencies. Strong communication skills are also essential for enforcing rules and working with patrons of all ages. Overall, responsibility and sound judgment are key in protecting the safety of everyone at the pool.”
4. What relevant certifications or training do you currently hold?
Highlight any lifeguarding, first aid, CPR, and water safety certifications you hold. Emphasize that they are up-to-date.
Example: “I hold current certifications in American Red Cross lifeguarding, first aid, CPR and AED. I also have a Water Safety Instructor certification. These certifications reflect my up-to-date training in water rescue, emergency response, and teaching swim safety.”
5. How would you handle a situation where a child is running around the pool and may slip and fall?
Demonstrate your rule enforcement abilities and emphasis on preventing accidents proactively.
Example: “I would politely but firmly inform the child that running is not allowed and could cause them to slip and get hurt. I’d get down on their level, make eye contact, and explain the rule in a kid-friendly way. If they continue running, I would blow my whistle and respectfully enforce the walk-don’t-run rule for their own safety.”
6. How do you prepare physically and mentally for your shifts?
Show you take readiness seriously by highlighting your fitness regimen, adequate sleep and hydration, and mental focus strategies.
Example: “I make sure to stay physically fit, well-rested and focused before shifts. This involves regular swimming workouts, strength training, a healthy diet and getting 8 hours of sleep. Mentally, I do breathing exercises to calm and center myself before going on duty. I also avoid distractions, so I’m 100% present and vigilant during shifts.”
7. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Distinguish yourself by highlighting your passion, energy, work ethic, and relevant certifications and experience. Focus on the unique strengths you’d bring to the team.
Example: “You should hire me because I have an unwavering commitment to water safety and prevention. My certifications are up-to-date and I pursue ongoing training to enhance my preparedness. What sets me apart is my alertness, proactive approach, and ability to take initiative. I’ll bring solutions-oriented thinking and a strong teamwork ethic to benefit our aquatic community.”
Scenario-Based Lifeguard Interview Questions
Let’s move on to situational and scenario-based questions. These help assess your ability to apply your skills and make sound decisions in real-life cases:
8. If you noticed a swimmer underwater and unmoving, what would you do?
Show step-by-step how you’d respond swiftly and effectively.
Example: “I would immediately blow my whistle 3 times to signal an emergency, and shout “clear the pool!” Next, I’d jump in, retrieve the swimmer quickly but carefully using a rescue tube, and start CPR immediately if they are not breathing. I’d direct someone to call 911 while continuing rescue breathing. I would not stop CPR until help arrives.”
9. How would you respond if you rescued a panicking swimmer who grabbed onto you in their panic?
Demonstrate knowledge of self-preservation techniques.
Example: “First, I’d reassure them calmly that help is here. If they grabbed onto me, I’d roll on my back and use defensive blocking techniques to safely break free of their grasp. I’d approach them again slowly with a rescue tube, talking them through it and emphasizing they need to let go so I can tow them to safety. Remaining calm is key, as is not putting myself at risk.”
10. If a chemical balance issue caused the pool to be unsafe, how would you handle informing swimmers?
Show your communication and safety enforcement skills.
Example: “I would immediately close the pool, then make an announcement over the PA that the pool is temporarily closed due to a chemical imbalance. I’d direct swimmers to exit carefully using the ladder and apologize for the inconvenience while our maintenance team corrects the issue. I’d be visible at poolside preventing anyone from entering and answering questions. I’d reopen once maintenance gives the all-clear that water chemistry is safe.”
11. How would you respond if you spotted a swimmer lying motionless on the bottom of the pool?
Walk through the steps you’d take to assess and immediately respond.
Example: “I’d first blow my whistle 3 times, shout “clear the pool!” and call for backup from other guards. After entering safely, I’d perform a quick scan for hazards before bringing the victim to the surface. I’d move them to the edge and lift them out immediately to start assessment and CPR if needed, getting help to call 911. I would not stop CPR until paramedics arrive to take over medical care.”
12. If you noticed a parent leaving small children unattended in the pool, how would you handle it?
Show your safety enforcement skills in an indirect supervision situation.
Example: “Leaving young kids alone in the water is extremely dangerous, so I would immediately address this situation. I’d approach the parent, remind them of the pool’s supervision policies, and advise that children must have an adult within arm’s reach at all times for safety reasons. If they refuse, I’d follow facility protocol which may involve reporting to my supervisor to further address the issue for the children’s safety.”
13. How would you handle a situation where a swimmer is verbally abusive to you?
Demonstrate conflict management and de-escalation skills.
Example: *”I would remain calm and professional if a swimmer is
Top 5 Most Asked Lifeguard Interview Questions and Answers
FAQ
Why should you hire me as a lifeguard?
What should I wear to a pool lifeguard interview?
What questions do lifeguards ask?
Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various lifeguard interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions. What made you want to become a lifeguard?
How do you interview for a lifeguard role?
Lifeguards keep people safe in and around bodies of water. The role requires specialized training, physical fitness and the ability to stay calm under pressure. If you’re interviewing for a lifeguard role, you may answer questions about your professional experience, physical abilities and communication skills.
How do you answer a Lifeguard safety question?
When answering this question, you can emphasize your commitment to safety and describe how you would follow lifeguard safety protocols. Example: “I understand that reminding guests about pool rules is part of a lifeguard’s role, and I have no issues enforcing them when necessary.
What makes a good pool lifeguard?
This includes watching the swimmers, keeping an eye on the pool area, and responding to emergencies. In order to be a successful pool lifeguard, you need to be able to swim well, have good judgment, and be able to respond quickly to emergencies. You should also be able to work well with others and be able to follow instructions.
