Log InSign Up

16 Lifeguard Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. 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.

Lifeguard Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Lifeguard Interview Questions

What made you want to become a lifeguard?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the level of commitment and passion the lifeguard has for their job. It is important to know if the lifeguard is in the job for the right reasons, as this can impact the quality of their work.

Example: “I wanted to become a lifeguard because I have always enjoyed being in the water and helping others. I love the feeling of being able to help people and make sure they are safe, and I knew that becoming a lifeguard would allow me to do that on a daily basis. Plus, it didn't hurt that I would get to spend my days at the beach!”

What are the most important skills for a lifeguard?

The interviewer is trying to gauge if the lifeguard candidate has the necessary skills to perform the job. Lifeguards need to have strong swimming skills, be able to rescue people in distress, and have first aid and CPR training.

Example: “The most important skills for a lifeguard are:

-The ability to stay calm under pressure
-The ability to make quick decisions
-The ability to stay alert and focused
-The ability to communicate clearly
-The ability to physically perform the tasks of the job”

What do you think is the biggest challenge of being a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to gain insight into the lifeguard's level of experience and understanding of the job. It is important for the interviewer to know if the lifeguard is aware of the potential dangers of the job and if they are prepared to handle them.

Example: “The biggest challenge of being a lifeguard is keeping everyone safe. There are a lot of people who come to the beach and they all want to have a good time. But sometimes people can get hurt or even drown if they're not careful. So it's up to the lifeguards to make sure that everyone is safe.”

What is the best part of being a lifeguard?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the lifeguard's level of satisfaction with the job. It is important to know whether the lifeguard enjoys the work, because that can affect job performance.

Example: “The best part of being a lifeguard is the opportunity to help others and potentially save lives. It is also a great way to stay in shape and be outdoors.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when working as a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the lifeguard's understanding of the importance of safety when working. It is important for a lifeguard to be aware of the dangers of the job and to always put the safety of others first.

Example: “The most important thing to remember when working as a lifeguard is to always be aware of your surroundings and to stay alert. Pay attention to the people around you and be prepared to act quickly in an emergency.”

What do you think is the biggest responsibility of a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to see if the lifeguard understands the gravity of their responsibility. Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and keeping them from drowning. This is a very important responsibility and requires a great deal of focus and attention.

Example: “The biggest responsibility of a lifeguard is to ensure the safety of everyone in the pool or beach area. They must constantly be on the lookout for potential dangers and be prepared to take action if necessary. This includes being aware of the weather conditions and any potential hazards in the water, such as strong currents or dangerous wildlife.”

What do you think is the most rewarding part of being a lifeguard?

The most rewarding part of being a lifeguard is being able to save someone's life. It is important to be able to save someone's life because it is a very rewarding feeling.

Example: “The most rewarding part of being a lifeguard is the opportunity to help others and potentially save lives. It is a very fulfilling job to know that you are responsible for keeping people safe and ensuring that they have a fun and enjoyable experience at the beach or pool. Additionally, lifeguards often form close bonds with those they work with and develop strong relationships over time.”

What do you think is the best way to prevent accidents while working as a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the lifeguard has thought about how to prevent accidents while working. It is important for the lifeguard to be able to identify potential hazards and take steps to prevent accidents from happening.

Example: “The best way to prevent accidents while working as a lifeguard is to be constantly vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the people in the water and be ready to act quickly if someone is in trouble. Be sure to follow all safety protocols and procedures so that you are prepared to handle any situation that may arise.”

What do you think is the most important thing to do if you see someone in trouble while working as a lifeguard?

An interviewer would ask "What do you think is the most important thing to do if you see someone in trouble while working as a lifeguard?" to a lifeguard because it is important to know what to do in case of an emergency.

Example: “If you see someone in trouble while working as a lifeguard, the most important thing to do is to immediately assess the situation and determine the best course of action. If the person is in immediate danger, you will need to take quick and decisive action to rescue them. Once they are safe, you can then provide any necessary medical attention.”

What do you think is the best way to stay alert while working as a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the lifeguard is capable of remaining alert while on duty. It is important for a lifeguard to be alert at all times in order to be able to react quickly in the event of an emergency.

Example: “There are a few things that can help a lifeguard stay alert while on duty. First, it is important to stay hydrated and well-rested. It is also helpful to eat healthy foods and avoid sugary snacks or drinks that can cause a crash. Additionally, it is important to take breaks often to move around and keep the blood flowing. Finally, it is helpful to wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen to help reduce glare and protect the eyes from the sun.”

What do you think is the best way to deal with difficult situations while working as a lifeguard?

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the lifeguard's ability to handle difficult situations. It also allows the interviewer to see if the lifeguard has the necessary skills to deal with difficult situations.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult situations while working as a lifeguard will vary depending on the specific situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult situations while working as a lifeguard include remaining calm, being assertive, and having a good plan of action.”

What do you think is the best way to stay calm under pressure while working as a lifeguard?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a lifeguard. First, it is important for lifeguards to be able to stay calm under pressure because they are responsible for the safety of others. If a lifeguard were to panic in an emergency situation, it could result in serious injury or even death. Second, staying calm under pressure is a skill that can be difficult to learn and practice. By asking this question, the interviewer is gauging the lifeguard's ability to think calmly and logically in a high-pressure situation. Finally, the interviewer may be looking for specific examples of how the lifeguard has stayed calm under pressure in the past. This question allows the lifeguard to demonstrate their experience and provide concrete evidence of their ability to handle stressful situations.

Example: “There are a few things that can be done in order to stay calm under pressure while working as a lifeguard. First, it is important to have a clear understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the job. This way, if an emergency situation does arise, you will know exactly what needs to be done and can act quickly and efficiently. Secondly, staying calm under pressure requires remaining calm and focused in the face of distractions. This means not letting small things bother you and keeping your mind on the task at hand. Lastly, it is also helpful to have a support system in place – whether this is a fellow lifeguard or someone you can talk to after your shift – in case you do start to feel overwhelmed by the pressure.”

What do you think is the best way to deal with difficult people while working as a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the lifeguard's ability to deal with difficult people while working. This is important because lifeguards need to be able to deal with difficult people in a professional and calm manner.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult people while working as a lifeguard will vary depending on the situation and the individual in question. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult people while working as a lifeguard include remaining calm and professional, being assertive but not aggressive, and trying to understand the other person's perspective. Additionally, it is important to have a clear and concise plan for dealing with difficult people, so that you know how to respond in different situations.”

What do you think is the best way to stay in shape while working as a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the lifeguard's priorities and values. It is important to know how the lifeguard plans to stay in shape because it will give the interviewer a sense of the lifeguard's dedication to the job.

Example: “There are a few things that lifeguards can do to stay in shape while on the job. First, they can make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout their shift. Second, they can take advantage of any opportunities to move around, such as walking or running on the beach, swimming laps in the pool, or doing calisthenics during breaks. Third, they can try to eat healthy foods and snacks that will give them energy throughout their shift.”

What do you think is the best way to eat healthy while working as a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to see if the lifeguard has thought about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while working a demanding job. It is important for the lifeguard to be able to take care of their own health so that they can be an effective employee.

Example: “There are a few things that you can do in order to eat healthy while working as a lifeguard. First, try to pack your own meals and snacks with you to work. This way, you can control what goes into your food and make sure that you are getting the nutrients that you need. Secondly, make sure to take breaks throughout your shift to eat and drink. It is important to stay hydrated, especially when working in a hot environment. Lastly, try to avoid temptation by not keeping unhealthy snacks or drinks at your station.”

What do you think is the best way to get along with your co-workers while working as a lifeguard?

The interviewer is asking this question to find out if the lifeguard is able to work well with others. It is important for lifeguards to be able to get along with their co-workers because they need to be able to communicate and work together in order to provide the best possible service to those they are responsible for protecting.

Example: “The best way to get along with your co-workers while working as a lifeguard is to be respectful, professional, and cooperative. You should also be willing to lend a helping hand when needed and be a team player.”