Top 5 Lifeguard Interview Questions

When interviewing for a lifeguard position, you really want to do everything you can to show the interviewer your attention to detail, level of responsibility and swimming safety knowledge. While you should always be prepared for common job interview questions, there are a few lifeguard-specific questions that you'll want to make sure you have practiced before hand.

What items do you need for your shift?

As a lifeguard, you need to be ready for anything. The interviewer wants to know how you prepare for any given situation. (May differ between pool and beach lifeguards.)

"I have four main necessities for all my shifts. They include my storm whistle, rescue buoy, first aid kit and spinal immobilization board. With these items, I feel prepared for any and all problems that may arise."

What are the most important characteristics for a lifeguard to have?

The interviewer is seeing if you know what being a lifeguard entails. List traits that you believe to be important to the position and that you personally possess.

"A lifeguard must be comfortable handling responsibility because they are held accountable for the safety of all pool guests. Additionally, they must be observant and able to react quickly in high-pressure situations. This must be done without getting distracted easily by loud noises, splashing, etc."

Do you have any prior experience and/or skills that could relate to this position?

This is a great opportunity to share why you would be a great fit for the position and what sets up apart from other applicants.

"I was on the swim team in high school for three years so I'm extremely comfortable in the water. Also, I volunteer at the pool at my local recreation center during the summer so I've been behind-the-scenes to see what goes into lifeguarding."

Have you ever had to oversee others?

A major part of being a lifeguard is supervising others. Let the interviewer know if you have had experience doing so and/or if you're responsible enough to handle the task.

"In my time volunteering at the pool, as I mentioned previously, I led an aquatics program for children at the rec center. Through that experience, I learned how to deal with guests who didn't follow pool regulations and how to stay on high alert in order to spot any possible unsafe situations."

If a guest argued with you about pool rules, what would you do?

While you are responsible for informing patrons of pool rules and regulations, it's your duty to implement them as well. Explain how you might respond to a difficult patron.

"I would let the pool guest know that the rules are put in place to ensure their safety and the safety of all other pool users. Also, I would share that although I didn't put the rules in place, I am there to enforce them and will follow through with that obligation."