summary for resume examples lifeguard

• • Providing a safe environment for visitors while supervising 3 trainees
• • Ensuring visitors follow pool rules
• • Have performed over 300 rescues
• • Responsibilities include opening the facility and pool at 5:30 am and checking water chemical levels of up to 17 pools
• • Named most valuable aquatics member in 2016
• • Performed 8 rescues
• • Organized and supervised pool activities for children aged 7-14
• • Observed pool users to prevent violations
• • Ensured water chemical levels were appropriate and safe
• • Taught kids aged 3-15 how to swim
• • Provided private and group lessons
• • Ensured everyone followed the swimming area rules
• • Ensured the safety of all students in and around the pool area
• • Led 5 lifeguards in protecting all our guests
• • Interacted with 1000+ guests and made sure all of them felt comfortable
• • Saved 5 people from drowning

5 Lifeguard Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

What to include in your lifeguard resume experience section, top lifeguard skills for your resume, lifeguard resume header: tips, red flags, and best practices, craft a strong lifeguard resume summary, highlight your education, certifications, and courses, drafting a job-winning lifeguard resume, other sections worth including in your lifeguard resume, a lifeguard resume that stands out, what makes a great lifeguard resume: key takeaways.

INDUSTRY STATS

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lifeguard positions are at a 16% growth rate, which is much faster than average. With that said, there are currently 354,100 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 57,800 to 411,900 in the period of 2020-30.

What’s more, the median annual wage for the Lifeguard jobs was $28,440 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $19,510 , and the highest 10% more than $46,510 .

Our conclusion? The Lifeguard job market is wide open for candidates.

Top lifeguard sections that make the best resume

• Professional summary
• Experience (with numbers and results)
• Relevant skills
• Certifications

Lifeguard resume experience section checklist:

• Use at least 3 and no more than 7 bullet points per position;
• Make your experience sound relevant to what you’re applying for;
• Combine responsibilities, results, and critical situations that you’ve handled well;
• Show that you’re willing to take up on challenges;
• Include numbers in any form you like.

Looking for some real experience section examples? We’ve gathered the best Lifeguard resume samples to help you. Check them out before building your own resume!

• Have started like a lifeguard/ full time job
• In 3 months i was promoted to pool manager
• after 7 months i have the opportunity to be Front desk assistant manager
• Upped the professionalism of employees
• Controlled chemicals, temperature, pump room and cleanliness
• Mentored new employees and managed staff, continuing education into the summer months
• As a Lifeguard Instructor, I teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding, including CPR, AED, Oxygen, and First Aid (Spring Valley, Ambler and Phoenixville Branches).
• As an ASHI Instructor, I conduct skills training and evaluation of ASHI CPR, First Aid and Oxygen courses (Spring Valley & Ambler).
• As a Pool Supervisor I oversee a group of Head Lifeguards that organize the Lifeguard coverage of both the indoor and outdoor pools during the summer months. (Spring Valley)
• As a Head Lifeguard I oversee a group of junior lifeguards that provide safety coverage for patrons using the aquatic facilities. (Spring Valley)
• Monitors activities in swimming areas to prevent, recognize and manage accidents in and around the swimming pool.
• Ensures a positive experience for patrons.
• Maintains pool facility including water quality.
• Keeps aquatic facilities clean.
• Supervise swimmers to ensure that they are swimming within the safety protocols;
• Perform rescues in the event of drowning or swimming accidents;
• Maintain accurate records of pool use and chemical levels;
• Continuously scanned pool and deck in order to provide rapid response in emergency situations
• Taught ages 8-13 swimming strokes, kicking techniques, diving, saving techniques and games
• Interacted with members regarding pool policy, procedures and general YMCA info
• Responsibilities included opening the facility and pool at 5:30 am
• Addressed members' concerns and communicated regularly with Aquatics Department Head.
• Ensured lifeguards were focused and on task.
• Performed regular safety and cleanliness checks.
• Ensured Aquatics Team members provided a safe and friendly environment for the members.
• Responsible for up to 10 children at once
• Specialize in swimming levels 1,2,3
• Answer questions and provide guidance
• Fully ensure the safety of adults and children
• Supervised/served on a team of 7-10 guards on rotation
• Enforced rules inside and outside to provide a safe environment for all members
• Attended monthly inservices to practice and maintain critical lifesaving skills
• Performed and managed pool daily responsibilities (activities/maintenance)
• Established personal relationships with members to ensure they are well taken care of
• Performed training for new co-workers
• Swim instructor for new to Intermediate swimmers
• Schools Instructor, teaching kayaking, rock climbing, snorkeling, water safety, sports & team building
• Holiday programme, planning, implementation, programme development and management
• Training and development of new staff and coaches
• Exceptional customer service and communication
• Executed marketing campaigns for the AUT Millennium Gym
• Successfully taught swimming lessons to a variety of age groups resulting in a high amount of personal requests
• Catered the lessons to the students personal learning needs
• Created relationships with frequent members at the facility
• Manage over fifteen lifeguards a day
• Change communication styles to fit the needs of the members
• Maintain a fun, but safe atmosphere for all members and guests
• Lead groups on projects to maintain safety regulations
• Maintained continuous surveillance of people in indoor/outdoor swimming pools and water park
• Performed 3 rescues in the event of drowning accidents
• Taught swimming techniques and safety education to new swimmers
• Maintain constant surveillance of patrons in the facility.
• Act immediately and properly to secure the safety of the patrons in an event of an emergency.
• Provide emergency treatment until the arrival of emergency medical services.
• Present a professional appearance and attitude at all times.
• Maintain a high standard of customer service.
• Served as subject matter expert with facility knowledge and swimming techniques by answering patrons’ questions in a timely and efficient manner
• Ensured the safety of all (40+) patrons in and around pool area 
• Taught swimming lessons to patrons of various skill levels
• Registered new members and renewed memberships for patrons in facility database
• Filed patron information and registration into facility's record-keeping system
• Sold membership packages to potential and returning patrons 
• Acted as facility lifeguard and first aid provider   

Don't make the same mistake everyone else does. What we mean is, don't list your Lifeguard job responsibilities instead of your achievements. Recruiters know what you do. They want to know what kind of difference you can bring to their company. Focus on what you've accomplished.

Action verbs for your lifeguard resume

Recommended reads:

• Can I Leave a Job I Was Fired From Off My Resume?
• How to Describe Your Resume Work Experience

Lifeguard resume skills section checklist:

• Match your hard skills to the job description;
• Add keywords to pass applicant tracking systems;
• Don’t list soft skills such as ’teamwork’ – rather, mention how they’ve helped you gain success in some other sections of your Lifeguard resume;
• List only skills you actually have, keep lying out of the picture.

Top skills for your lifeguard resume

Physical Strength

Basic Medical Care

Communication

Self confidence

Persistence

Time management

When describing your experience, don’t go too far from its terminology. Recruiters use ATS systems to filter resumes based on them having certain keywords, so make sure you use at least a few keywords mentioned in the job description.

• Hard Skills on Resume: Top Hard Skills by Industry Sector

Checklist for your lifeguard resume header

• Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
• The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
• Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
• Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
• Email address
• Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)

Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• [email protected]
• Perfecting Your Resume Header so You Get Noticed
• Are Photos On Your Resume Unprofessional? [Expert Advice]

Some companies, states, and countries have policies about identifying information like photos on your Lifeguard resume. Be sure to check all the relevant rules before submitting yours. If you’re in doubt, you can always try contacting the company’s HR department to ask for their policy.

Lifeguard resume summary checklist:

• Your total years of experience
• The industry you’re coming from
• One or two most remarkable accomplishments that have helped you - turn into a great professional
• Short sentences that add value – avoid filler words and phrases

Resume summary formula:

Your summary section should act as a brief but informative introduction to your experience section. In this section you should go into more depth about what you have done, and how you did it.

• 10+ Resume Objective Examples & How To Guide

What to include in your education and courses sections:

• Your highest education degree – this includes institution, course, and duration
• Certifications and courses that have helped you gain additional expertise
• Awards you’ve received as part of your education
• Entry-level positions only: relevant classes and projects

Top certifications for your lifeguard resume

The Power of the Breath - Deano Gladstone

Improve your breathing to change your life with World Famous Lifeguard Deano Gladstone from Bondi Rescue...

• How to Put an MBA On Your Resume (With Examples)
• Should I Put In An Incomplete Degree On A Resume?

If you hold a certain major and a minor, your majors should be mentioned first.

When drafting your resume, you can choose between three well-known formats :

• Reverse-chronological resume format ;
• Functional skills-based resume format ;
• Combination (or Hybrid) resume format .

Which format you decide to go for depends on two things: your personal preference and how experienced you are.

The reverse-chronological format is ideal for both really experienced people and those who joined the workforce just a couple of years ago. It’s also great if your experience combines different industries and jobs. Here, your most recent position comes at the top of your resume.

The functional skills-based resume format, on the other hand, is ideal for recent graduates or people who have no work experience whatsoever. It’s built around your skills, interests, and expertise. Ultimately, its goal is to show recruiters your biggest strengths and practical skills.

Combination resumes (also known as hybrid resumes) are great for all types of candidates – be they graduates, experienced professionals, or brave career changers. They usually follow a double-column format – one side focuses on your experience, while the other emphasizes your education, skills, interests, and accomplishments.

Here’s our resume format and style checklist:

• Choose a traditional resume font sized 12p;
• Go for standard 1-inch resume margins ;
• Match the length of your Lifeguard resume with your experience – choose a one-page template if you have less than 10 years of experience, and be careful with two-page templates ;
• Send your resume in PDF – in this way, you’ll avoid formatting issues and potential editing from third parties.

And in case you want to go the extra mile, check out our guide for crafting a resume that stands out .

Recommended Reads:

• Targeted Resume: 3-Step Process to Win Any Recruiter Over
• Resume Sections: Everything You Need to Know

Sometimes you’ll want to go after a job which requires more experience than you have. Instead of using a typical Lifeguard resume layout, you can use a creative layout. Getting noticed is the most important challenge and a creative resume layout might help you get invited for an interview as most of other accountants have boring resume designs.

Including other sections in your resume depends on the company, the position, and, ultimately, the industry. Here are some sections that will help you spice things up:

• Language skills
• Publications
• Hobbies and interests
• Volunteer work

Recruiters look at tens of resumes every day. That’s why helping them remember yours is crucial for landing an interview.

A creative resume can help you show off both your personality and your expertise at the same time.

Creative sections about passions, favorite books, quotes, and even your daily routine are a great way to make your resume feel like a breath of fresh air.

What’s more, it will also point recruiters to the fact that you’re attentive to detail and can think outside the box of Word-generated black and white resumes.

• Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
• Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
• Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
• Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
• List soft skills backed by examples;
• Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
• Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.

Looking to build your own Lifeguard resume?

• Resume Examples

How to write about your career for an effective resume

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Lifeguard resume example

Are you ready to dive into your next role as a lifeguard?

Baywatch might make it look glamorous, but looking after those in the water requires a very strong set of skills (and arms!).

To help you showcase these skills to potential employers, we’ve created a lifeguard example resume below. We’ve also shared some of our top writing tips to boost your application.

Resume templates 

Lifeguard Resume Example

From the Lifeguard resume example  above, you can see the type of content your resume will need to include, and the general layout you will need to stick to.

The rest of this guide will show you how to apply this format to your own unique situation, and create a resume that will attract the best employers in your field.

Lifeguard resume layout and format

If you want to get noticed in the job market, you have to pay attention to the format and layout of your resume.

Essentially your resume needs to look highly polished, and provide hiring managers with an easy reading experience.

Use these resume formatting tips to get a head start on this.

Tips for resume formatting

• Length: Recruiters often see hundreds of resumes per day – so keep yours under 2 pages in length, if you want to ensure it gets read in full.
• Font and text : Readability is the name of the game when it comes to your resume. Ensure yours is a dream to read by using a simple clear font, and breaking the text up with plenty of bullet points and short paragraphs.
• Design & structure: Allow recruiters to skim through your resume with ease, by dividing the page into clear sections with headings and borders. The design of your resume should be eye-catching but not overly complex – keep the style and color scheme simple and clean.
• Photos and images: You don’t have to add a photo to your resume in the States, but some regions and industries like to see them.

Quick tip: Formatting a resume to look professional can be difficult and time-consuming. If you want to create an attractive resume quickly, try our quick-and-easy Resume Builder and use one of their eye-catching resume templates.

Resume layout

Include the following sections when you write your resume .

• Name and contact details – Make it easy for employers to contact you, by putting these at the top.
• Resume summary – An intro paragraph sitting at the top of your resume, summarizing the reasons why you should be hired.
• Skills section – A short snappy list of your most important skills, that can be quickly digested
• Work experience – Reverse chronological list of your previous jobs – voluntary work and college placements can be included if you have no paid experience.
• Education – List your qualifications and professional training.
• Additional info – An optional section for things like hobbies and interests.

Now, here’s what to include in each of these sections in your resume.

Resume Contact Details

Add your name and contact details to the very top of your resume, making it easy for recruiters to get in touch

• Name and profession title
• Cell phone number – or another number you can answer quickly
• Location – Add your local area such as San Diego or New York – not your full address as that will take up too much space.
• Email address – Use your name or close variation – no nicknames from high school.

You can add a link to your LinkedIn profile if you have one – you do not need to include personal details like date of birth or marital status.

Lifeguard Resume Summary

Now it’s time to get into the real content of your resume, starting with the summary.

Your resume summary is a short paragraph at the top of the document, and its jobs is to catch the eye of hiring managers by summarizing all your skills and knowledge that are most important to the roles you are applying for.

Top tips for creating an effective resume summary:

• Keep it brief: Your summary is intended to be a high-level introduction to hook readers’ attention, so keep it brief (4-7 lines) – save the details for later in your resume.
• Tailor it: Optimize your summary to match the requirements of your target jobs, by mirroring the key words from the job description as closely as possible.
• Avoid cliches: Recruiters always see cringey cliches like “ hardworking guru who works well in a team or individually ” – they don’t mean much to anyone, so focus your summary on tangible skills and experience.

Example resume summary for Lifeguard

What to include in your lifeguard resume summary.

• Summary of your experience: Provide an overview of the type of work you have done in the past and the impact you have made at previous employers.
• Relevant skills: Include your skills which are hyper relevant to Lifeguard jobs to instantly show your suitability.
• Important qualifications: Mention any Lifeguard qualifications that are important to your profession in the summary briefly, to show you are qualified to carry out the role.

Quick tip: Choose from hundreds of pre-written summaries across all industries, and add one to your resume with one click in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder . All written by our recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Underneath your summary, write a core skills section to make your most relevant skills jump off the page at readers.

It should be made up of 2-3 columns of bullet points of your relevant skills.

Before you do this, look over the job description and make a list of any specific skills, specialisms or knowledge required.

Then, make sure to use your findings in your list. This will paint you as the perfect match for the role.

Best skills for your Lifeguard resume

• Surveillance techniques – Utilizing a variety of surveillance and scanning techniques to monitor the behaviour and safety of swimmers, ensuring efficient emergency reactions when required.
• Shallow & deep-water rescue – The ability to rescue drowning victims in both shallow and deep water, using a variety of techniques and tools such as rescue tubes.
• High-risk behavior identification – Identifying who may be at risk and reacting appropriately to prevent potentially difficult or emergency situations from occurring.
• CPR, AED & First Aid certified – Maintaining valid certifications to provide emergency CPR, first aid and use of an automated external defibrillator.
• Swimming pool operations – Ensuring the safety and security of other areas of the pool such as practicing rescues, first aid, power failure, toxic gas release, and the appropriate use of alarms.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy Resume Builder contains thousands of in-demand skills for every profession that can be added to your resume in seconds – saving you time and greatly improving your chances of landing job interviews.

Resume work experience section

Once you’ve got recruiters interested with your impactful summary, your work experience is where the real detail will lie.

Lay out your previous jobs from current to oldest, detailing what you contributed and achieved in each one.

If you’re highly experienced you can cut this section down to your most recent few years of work, but if you are junior you can bulk this up with voluntary work and college placements.

Structuring your job descriptions

Resume job descriptions contain lots of information, so its crucial to structure them well.

Use the structure below to ensure hiring managers can consume the information easily.

Job outline

Begin each job with a short summary of who the organization is, where you sit within it, and what the main goal of your position is.

Key responsibilities

List your notable responsibilities in short sharp bullet points to demonstrate your input and how you contributed to the organization’s success.

Highlight the skills that are most important to the roles you are applying for.

Key achievements

Show employers the value you can bring to them by adding a few achievements to your jobs.

Whether you’ve saved the company money or improved an internal process, let recruiters know

Add some numbers to give readers a real scale of the impact, e.g. “reduced call wait time by 10%”

Example job for Lifeguard resume

Working as part of the Hawaii Beach Associations lifeguard team, overseeing the safety of swimmers and beachgoers at a popular beach resort.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with swimmers and beachgoers using verbal commands, megaphone, and whistle
• Evacuate water and beach areas when deemed necessary
• Oversee safety measures at the beach using 10:20 scanning and vigilance
• Monitor weather reports closely to ensure the safety of vacationers and swimmers

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy Resume Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education resume section

Towards the bottom of your resume, add your education section.

Here you should list your professional qualifications and academic record, such as high school diplomas or college degrees.

If you have lots of work experience, you can keep this section brief (because recruiters will be more interested in your career. If you have little/no experience then you should bulk this section up with plenty of detail.

Additional info for your resume

Any other info that didn’t fall into any of the previous sections can be added here.

If you have hobbies that are related to your profession or any awards or publications – add them here.

Writing your Lifeguard resume

Writing a Lifeguard resume can be challenging but following the steps above will ensure that you land plenty of interviews.

If you want to speed up the process and use an attractive professional template, try out our quick-and-easy Resume Builder .

Good luck with your job search!

Lifeguard Resume: Free Sample & Top Tips

As a Lifeguard, you need to have the necessary skills and experience to be able to save anyone from danger in the water. Has it been difficult preparing your resume for the deep end? Use our tailored resume template and get your resume to stand out to job recruiters.

Lifeguard Resume Example MSWord® Use our Lifeguard Resume Template in Word and feel safe about throwing your resume into the deep end. 

You’re prepared to enter the job market and find your next role as a lifeguard. Before you dive headfirst into it, though, you must first learn how to write a lifeguard resume that stands out from the crowd.

A career as a lifeguard prioritizes safety and vigilance, and you must be able to show how committed you are about your duty. Fortunately, your sharp eye and attention to detail should prove useful when it comes to crafting your own lifeguard resume.

This guide goes through each aspect of your lifeguard resume and includes samples, templates and useful hints to help you understand how to:

• Analyze a sample lifeguard resume and use it as a reference point
• Tailor your lifeguard resume to match a company’s job description
• List your soft and hard skills on a lifeguard resume the right way
• Differentiate between the right and wrong examples on a lifeguard resume
• Let your personality shine through in your lifeguard resume

Lifeguard Resume Sample

Take a look at this lifeguard resume sample so that you get an idea of what a strong, compelling resume looks like. You can always use it as a point of reference when going through the rest of this guide.

[Zac Bolton]

[Lifeguard]

[24 Cherry Ridge, Baywatch Beach, CA 93657  |   614-577-2487   |   [email protected]]

ARC- and ALA-certified lifeguard with over 5 years experience ensuring that all visitors to the pool have a pleasant and safe swimming experience in all environments. Dedicated to maintaining swimmer safety protocol, enforcing facility regulations, and understanding the significance of this role. In possession of additional certifications in CPR, AED and BLS.

Stockley Park Club

2018 – 2022

• Supervised heavy-traffic pool five days a week while providing rule enforcement and rescue services to swimmers of all ages.
• Enforced both facility swimming and safety rules for guests in both adult and children pools.
• Performed routine checks and maintenance on swimming equipment to ensure safety and hygiene standards were maintained.
• Communicated emerging safety issues to club management while coordinating further resolution.

Swimming Instructor

Stockley Park Club Pool

2016 – 2018

• Conducted and coordinated weekly swimming lessons for children ages 6-18.
• Monitored swimming areas to ensure safety protocols and other pool rules were followed.
• Developed a swimming lesson rewards program to incentivize regular attendance and motivate children to learn more about water safety.

Education  

BS in Sports Science

Lakefield Community College, CA

2016 – 2019

• Honors: Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.65 GPA
• Swim Team Captain, 2017-19
• Provided lifeguarding to primary schoolers
• Relevant Coursework: Sports Science, Sports Psychology
• Soft skills: Alertness, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Physical Fitness, Adaptability, Communication
• Hard skills: Strong Swimming Ability, Swimmer Identification and Rescue, Weather Forecasting, Risk Assessment, First Aid, CPR/AED/BLS Certified

Certifications

• Pool Lifeguard Certification, American Lifeguard Association (2018)
• Beach Lifeguard License, American Red Cross (2018)

Additional Activities

• Placed 7th in Swimathon Cross Country Marathon (2017)
• Participated in annual 30-mile swim by APL (2014-2017)

What’s the Best Lifeguard Resume Format?

The first thing you’ll want to do is lay everything out in an organized manner before actually putting anything down on your resume. 

This includes a few basic rules of thumb that will make up the general blueprint of your lifeguard resume.

For example, a one-page resume length is the industry standard, so this is something you’ll want to stick to. 

Here are a few other essential things you should include in your lifeguard resume that any prospective employer will want to know about you:

• Personal and contact information like phone number, email and address
• A resume summary or a resume objective
• Your experience, certifications and qualifications 
• Your skill set – both soft and hard skills
• Any extra information that shows why you’re a good fit for the role

Another gold standard of resume-making is the reverse-chronological format. What this means is that for each section in your resume, you will list out your most recent experience, achievement or qualification, followed by your next most recent one, and so on.

For example, if you worked at Company A from 2016 to 2018, and then worked at Company B from 2018 to 2020, you’ll want to list your experience at Company B first.

This makes structuring your lifeguard resume simple, organized and easy to navigate for the reader.

Here are a few more things to take note of when drafting your lifeguard resume:

• Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana and Georgia are some great fonts you can use for your lifeguard resume. These fonts perform the function of the ideal resume font – clean, professional and easy to read. Of course, you can personalize your resume with a font so that your personality comes through a little bit, but it should never take away from the main purpose of your resume.
• For your lifeguard resume, a standard 1” margin is enough. It’s not too much nor too little and still keeps your resume clean and accessible.
• If you’re an entry-level applicant without much experience, you can opt for double line spacing if your content isn’t filling the page out enough. Apart from this, a standard single line spacing is appropriate for most cases.
• As a lifeguard, a simple, professional image of yourself in one of the top corners of your resume should be enough. Even then, it’s generally advisable to not include any pictures of any sort on your resume, as this can take up valuable space for other information that is more important to include.
• Once you’re happy with your lifeguard resume, save it as a PDF file. This is the file format you’ll be sending your resume in, unless the employer has asked for anything else. The PDF format helps maintain consistency across the board and helps the reader view your resume exactly how you intended them to.

Before you read on, be sure to check out our amazing resume templates which are easy to use while also being easy on the eye. Any of these templates can be used to make the perfect lifeguard resume!

How to Write a Lifeguard Resume Summary or Resume Objective

Your resume summary or resume objective is like the temperature of the water when you first dip your toes in: it immediately gives you an idea of what you’re in for, and it could make or break your experience.

As a result, regardless of whichever you end up writing, your lifeguard resume summary or objective should glow on the page. A resume summary or resume objective provides an overview of both you as an individual and your resume.

A resume summary is more suited to those who have a few years of experience under their belt along with a fair few certifications and achievements. 

A resume objective is ideal for entry-level candidates because it focuses on your skillset and shows prospective recruiters how those skills can help them.

When providing contact information like an email, always use a professional email address and not your personal one. For example, “ [email protected] ” or “ [email protected] ” work well. “ [email protected] ” is not a suitable option and may be perceived as unprofessional.

Lifeguard Resume Summary Example

A resume summary serves as your resume’s elevator pitch. It tells the viewer what they can expect from the resume itself, but also what they can expect from you.

The more specific details and examples you can list, the better. Of course, you don’t want to let things become too cluttered, so focus on what matters the most.

We’ve prepared some lifeguard resume summary examples that are both weak and strong to demonstrate how real examples of your accomplishments could create a great final result.

Take note of how the right example seems more detailed and gives the impression that the applicant knows what they’re doing. The poor example, on the other hand, seems lacking and is likely to leave a recruiter wanting to know more.

Experienced lifeguard with 5+ years experience, ensuring safety of swimmers while they have an enjoyable experience. Attentive and diligent and acknowledging the nature of the task while maintaining swimmer safety protocol in all environments.

Experienced and committed lifeguard with 5+ years experience with a proven track record of ensuring that all visitors to the pool have a pleasant and safe swimming experience. Attentive and diligent, committed to maintaining swimmer safety protocol at all times by efficient monitoring of all swimming areas and calmly enforcing facility laws and regulations.

How to Write an Entry-Level Lifeguard Resume Objective

As an entry-level applicant, it’s unlikely that you have years of experience or a plethora of achievements under your belt. This is why a resume objective may be the best option for you.

A resume objective on your lifeguard resume looks to provide value to an employer as it will emphasize the skills you can offer which coincide with what they’re looking for.

In order to write a compelling lifeguard resume objective, it’s important to focus on the role’s requirements in the job description . 

For example, if the company is looking for a lifeguard who can watch over children in smaller pools, and you happen to have this skill, then it’s important for you to emphasize that and cater to that specific job requirement despite lacking tons of experience.

When looking for jobs, carefully read the job description to see what the role requires and whether it’s a position that suits you. If you have the skills that match the job description, you already have a head start.

Entry-Level Lifeguard Resume Objectives

Here are a couple of examples of entry-level lifeguard resume objectives. As you can see, the weaker example gives a basic overview of the applicant’s experience and qualifications, but doesn’t go into much detail.

The right example, on the other hand, is well-worded and considered while still giving plenty of information to a recruiter about how the applicant ticks all of the boxes for the role.

Young lifeguard with 7 years swimming experience, basic support knowledge in CPR and BLS and one year experience at Shelka Lake as a swimming instructor. Seeking to apply for a lifeguard position at Riverrun Public School.

Entry-level lifeguard with over a year of experience at Shelka Lake as a swimming instructor and lifeguard to batches of 15+ students. Looking to provide swimming lessons and enforce swimming rules in a safe environment at Riverrun Public School. Certified in CPR and BLS.

How to Describe Your Lifeguard Experience

The experience section on a lifeguard resume is extremely important. This is the section where you can show your experience and achievements .

You’ll want to describe your experiences in a way that improves your chances of progressing to the interview round, so make sure you emphasize your best accomplishments.

Mention your physical condition and abilities . As a lifeguard, it’s important to know that you are in good condition to perform your duty. You could mention things like how fast you can swim across a certain distance, how fast you can run 100 meters, whether you have 20/20 vision, how much weight you can carry, and so on.

Lifeguard Resume Examples: Experience

Take a look at two examples of experience sections on a lifeguard resume.

2018 – 2021

• Supervised swimmers six days a week.
• Made sure rules were followed.
• Checked swimming area and equipment on a daily basis.
• Delivered BLS and CPR when needed.
• Transferred any major issues to club management.
• Supervised a busy pool six days a week while providing rule enforcement and rescue services to swimmers.
• Ensured swimming and safety rules were enforced for both adult and child pools.
• Conducted daily checks on swimming equipment to ensure safety and hygiene standards were maintained.
• Delivered basic life support and CPR in three dry drowning cases after immediately identifying respective issues.
• Communicated two major issues to club management while coordinating further resolution.

As you can see, the first example is lacking in detail. The latter provides a more in-depth profile of your experience and comes across as more professional.

Entry-Level Lifeguard Resume: Experience Section

Here are another two examples of entry-level experience sections for a lifeguard resume that demonstrate it’s totally possible to create a stellar lifeguard resume with no experience.

2017 – 2018

• Coordinated swimming classes for different age groups.
• Praised for attentiveness.
• Worked well with other instructors at team meetings.
• Scheduled and coordinated swimming lessons for age groups 6-18.
• Monitored swimming area to ensure rules were followed.
• Attended weekly team meetings and worked well with fellow instructors.
• Praised for high levels of attentiveness and reaction time.

Keep Your Education Section Afloat

This part may very well be the simplest section for you to put together on your lifeguard resume. It is a straightforward listing of any degrees and diplomas you might have. If you haven’t graduated high school yet, just write down your school’s name and the expected date of graduation.

A lifeguard certification or license is required in most states. Different kinds of lifeguards should also receive specialized training.

Be sure to include all information of certifications in CPR, AED, BLS and first aid as part of your training program in your lifeguard resume’s education area.

Here’s a list of necessary traits and requirements needed by the American Pool Lifeguards, including daily responsibilities, closing duties and lots of other things you should know. It’s quite informative.

Lifeguard Resume Education Section

Study these examples so that you know how to list your resume’s education section .

BSc. in Sports Science

• Participated in relevant coursework
• Swimming team captain
• Received GPA of 3.3
• Honors: Graduated magna cum laude with a 3.3 GPA

The Best Lifeguard Skills for a Resume

This is one of the most important sections on your lifeguard resume. You’ll need to include two sets of skills – soft skills and hard skills. 

Soft skills are skills that are more generic and suit a wide range of jobs, while hard skills are more specific to your role as lifeguard and are skills that are usually picked up on the job.

Some examples of lifeguard skills for resume building are listed below:

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Physical fitness
• Critical thinking
• Adaptability
• Level Headedness
• Problem solving skills

Hard Skills

• Excellent swimming ability
• CPR, AED, BLS certified
• Adept at first aid
• Swimmer identification
• Use of life buoys and rescue buoys
• Weather forecasting
• Risk assessment
• Beach patrol

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

While a good lifeguard resume includes all the sections we’ve just covered, the best lifeguard resume is usually one that goes above and beyond.

That means creating a mixologist resume with “Other” sections, or additional sections that add more details to your resume.

Choose other sections that make sense for your resume and qualifications. These areas can be a wonderful opportunity to bulk up sparse areas of your resume, show your individuality, or demonstrate your qualifications for the job.

Lifeguard Resume Sample “Other” Sections

As an aspiring lifeguard, adding “Other” sections serve as a bonus for any job recruiter and show that you are willing to go out your way to add value – a key quality that is sure to be noticed.

Here’s a brief example of an “Other” section that you can add to your lifeguard resume.

Certificates

• Alcohol training | Springtown College
• Sanitation and safety certificate | Springtown College
• Placed 4th in Local Church Cross Country Marathon (2017)

Here are some other things you can list out in your “Other” section, apart from Certifications and Additional Activities:

• Volunteering
• Awards or honors
• Memberships

Key Takeaway

In this guide, we’ve discussed all you need to know to craft the best job application as possible for a lifeguard position, including: 

• A lifeguard resume should include important sections like education, experience, skills and other sections. A lifeguard resume template can aid in organizing and structuring these sections.
• A lifeguard resume should start off with a resume summary or resume objective , depending on the applicant’s level of experience and expertise.
• Add specialized lifeguard resume skills like CPR, AED, BLS and first aid to your application. This helps you ensure you show you have both the qualifications and required training necessary for a lifeguard on a resume.
• The structure of your resume matters. Keep it organized, professional and clean , and don’t forget to use tidy fonts and a reverse-chronological format.
• Customize your language for each specific job according to the lifeguard resume job description to increase your chances of landing an interview.

If you need more help with that last point, we’ve got you covered! Head over to our easy-to-use resume builder and you’ll have the perfect lifeguard resume in just a matter of minutes.

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Lifeguard Resume Example

Whether you're looking to work in an indoor swimming pool or at the beach, we're here to help you get your resume ready for any kind of wave.

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Some people may think that lifeguard duties consist of just fun in the sun, but in reality, their jobs are much more serious than that. Lifeguards are tasked with monitoring the water, whether a pool, the ocean, water parks, and other aquatic areas, and maintain safety at all times. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service are at a 1.1% growth rate , and there are over 113,150 current employment opportunities. Even if you just work lifeguard positions in the summer, it is important to have a lifeguard resume , and we're here to help you with just that. In this article, we're going to go over the 7 steps that will transform your resume from a regular resume to a gnarly one. Here's what we're going to cover:

• Formatting your resume
• Writing a resume summary
• Describing your work experience
• Including your certifications
• Listing your key skills
• Including awards
• Adding your education

1. Format your lifeguard resume

Did you know there are multiple ways to format your resume? From including headshots to having a progress bar next to your key skills, there are many ways that you can format your resume. As a lifeguard, you want hiring managers to focus on your experience, certifications, and what you can do for swimmers on a daily basis.

Tip: Even if you're only a lifeguard as a summer job, create a resume for the sole purpose of being a lifeguard.

Here are three ways to format your tour guide resume:

• Reverse-chronological , which emphasizes your previous work experience
• Functional , which highlights your key skills
• Hybrid , which combines the previous formats to give casting directors a closer look at what you're bringing to the table

While the choice is yours, formatting your resume in a hybrid-style format is often the best way to show hiring managers who you are and what you've done without making your resume too lengthy.

Tip: Since hiring managers are receiving a plethora of resumes and applications for their job listings, it's crucial to make your resume stand out. Make sure to look over the posted job description and implement some of the details and keywords listed into your resume.

Take a look at our guide on how to format your resume if you want to learn more.

2. Write an impressive resume summary

A resume summary is a 1-2 sentence blurb that summarizes everything your resume consists of. It's a quick and easy way to show hiring managers that you appreciate their time, which can help your resume stand out from the pile since not everyone writes one. You can also think of it as your elevator pitch. Sometimes, it's difficult to summarize yourself in 1-2 sentences , but here are some elements you should always include in your resume summary:

• Years of experience
• Achievements
• Some personal characteristics

Tip: Sometimes, it's easier to write your resume summary after you have already written your resume. That way, it's easier to pick and choose what characteristics to include.

If you're still stuck on how to write your resume summary, here's a good and simple example : Current college student enrolled in Marine Biology seeking to help keep lives safe this summer in the water. Experienced lifeguard with 3 years experience and CPR certified. Here's what your resume summary should not look like: Lifeguard with 3 years experience working in beaches and swimming pools. While this example may seem straight to the point, it doesn't give hiring managers an opportunity to be interested in going through your resume in depth. Want to write the perfect resume summary? Our guide on writing resume summaries has tons of examples.

3. List your work experience

A lifeguard position is no easy feat. Therefore, having prior experience may be what helps you to get that lifeguard job on a nice beach or cool water park.

Tip: If you don't have experience, don't worry. As long as you are CPR/First Aid certified, you may be able to get an entry-level lifeguard position.

When listing your work experience, it's important to highlight the specifics you did on the job, and do so using good verbs . Here are some examples of job descriptions you may be able to include in your lifeguard resume:

• Supervised the activities of swimmers by enforcing all pool safety rules and regulations.
• Warned swimmers of improper activities or hazards.
• Rescued persons in distress or in danger of drowning and provided rescue breathing, CPR and First Aid.
• Assisted with the coordination and implementation of swim lessons.
• Answered inquiries pertaining to the use of the pool.
• Conducted simple tests to determine water quality including chemical readings on pH and chlorine levels and water temperature.
• Strategized various methods of teaching swimming to diverse group of students of all ages.
• Ensured safety of students and other swimmers at all times.
• Provided one-on-one swim lessons and group swimming instructions.
• Oversaw poolside safety measures, both in pool and along perimeter.
• Performed water chemical balance tests before pool opening and after pool closing.

Tip: Show the work experience that is relevant to the job. Do not include your work experience from working at an ice parlor or a retail store as it does not apply to this position.

Want more tips and tricks on how to write your work experience description? Check out our guide on describing your work experience .

4. Add certifications to your resume

Working with people, it may happen that someone faints or is in need of saving. Being CPR/First Aid certified could bring your chances of getting the job higher, especially if you put that certification on your resume. Certifications as a lifeguard show hiring managers that, if an urgent situation were to happen, you have the certifications and knowledge of how to address the situation and help the person in need. Here are certifications that you should consider getting and adding to your resume:

• CPR Certified
• First Aid Certified
• AED Instructor Certified

Tip: AED Instructor Certified means you are certified to work with an automated external defibrillator . These are used to help individuals who are undergoing cardiac arrest , which can happen on the job.

If you're looking for more certifications to include in your resume or want to know how to correctly list them , check out our guide.

5. Include key skills in your resume

As a lifeguard, there are many key skills that will benefit your resume and help you land the job. Listing impressive and relevant skills gives hiring managers more reasons to hire you. Here are some examples of key skills you can include in your resume:

• Water Safety & Rescue
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Effective Scanning & Vigilance
• High-Risk Behavior Identification
• Communication

Tip: You can even include skills such as multilingual to impress hiring managers.

Having trouble identifying your skills? We have a guide with 100+ key skills you can include in your resume.

6. Include your awards

As a lifeguard, you could be rewarded for your service. Including awards on your resume is a good way to show hiring managers that you are passionate about the job and a hard worker. Here's what your awards section can look like on your resume: Student Lifeguard of the Year Jacob's Aquatic Center • 2020

Instructor of the Month Florida Keys Swim Club • 2019 ‍

Tip: Be sure to include where you were awarded from and what year .

7. List your education on your resume

To become a lifeguard, you, at least, need a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate . With that being said, it's important to list your education on your resume. Whether you've graduated or are still in school, this shows hiring managers that you at least meet the educational criteria. Here's what adding your education to your resume can look like: Florida International University

2018 — Present

B.S in Marine Biology

GPA: 3.6/4.0

Coral Shores High School

Key Largo, FL

2013 — 2017

Don't know if to put your GPA on your resume? Take a look at our guide on adding your GPA to your resume , which includes tips and examples.

Key Takeaways

From the looks of it, there may have been more to your lifeguard resume than you originally thought, but these tips and tricks are sure to land you the job anywhere. Here's a summary of everything we've discussed:

• Format your lifeguard resume
• Write an impressive resume summary
• Describe your lifeguard work experience
• Add your certifications
• List your key skills
• Include your awards, if applicable
• Add your education to your resume

Following our guide, your resume will be ready for any body of water you decide to work in. Good luck!

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Lifeguard Resume Examples

Dive right in to create the ideal resume for a lifeguard position

Lifeguarding Resume Samples

1. Candidate seeking summer lifeguarding position:

Resume summary statement:

A driven student seeking summer employment. Three years of competitive swimming experience with a number of awards, including one bronze competition medal.

• A strong swimmer backed by fifteen years of swimming experience
• Three years’ experience competing with the Bay High School Swim Team; awarded a bronze medal in last year’s high dive competition
• An excellent student who has maintained a GPA of 3.8
• Expected graduation in 2022

2. Candidate seeking part-time lifeguard position:

A dedicated nursing student who has mastered CPR, the use of an AED for cardiac arrest patients, and other basic medical procedures. Experienced in the field, able to oversee with vigilance and compassion.

• Up-to-date CPR and lifeguard certifications backed by an extensive knowledge of nursing and patient care
• Consistently acquires high marks at Bay College’s nursing program
• Praised by pool staff for two consecutive years of punctuality and attentiveness
• A diligent student and worker with an expected graduation date of 2023

Lifeguard Resume Vocabulary & Writing Tips

When writing your application for work as a lifeguard, you can use certain keywords related to the job to  optimize your resume . You might find these words in the job listing itself, but otherwise, we have provided some examples below for you to use.

You can also use positive words, such as “assertive” and “vigilant” to highlight qualities needed to do your job well. These are sometimes known as resume power words , and we have included some strong action verbs in a list below for you to combine with keywords and strong adjectives in your resume.

Words to Use

• Certification
• Lifeguard training
• Expert swimmer
• Regulations
• Responsible

Action Verbs

Lifeguard resume tips and ideas.

In most areas, lifeguarding is a seasonal profession that takes place poolside or beachside during the warmer months. In subtropical or tropical climates, lifeguards may be needed year-round.

Lifeguarding is a serious profession, as success is a life-or-death matter for those you serve.

If your resume seems sparse, don’t worry. Many lifeguard applicants are young, entry-level candidates , or have  little job experience to include on their resumes .

The following guide will help you to  create a resume that makes a splash with the custodians of your local swimming pool, lake, or beach.

• Chronological format: list your education, training, and experience beginning with the most recent.
• Functional and combination formats may also be used to highlight specific skills and abilities.

Remember to consider:

• Professional outline
• Section layout
• Contact details
• Qualifications and certifications
• Work experience
• Additional skills
• Awards and honors
• Volunteer work

Resume Length

1 page, letter 8.5 by 11 inches

Many young people take on  summer positions as lifeguards . If this is the case for you, your lifeguard resume may be your first. When  designing your resume , keep it clean and professional. One way to do this is by utilizing an  online resume template . Lines and borders are optional, but avoid any distracting elements, such as clipart or pictures.

In formatting your resume, pay attention to the  font type and font size  that you select. The lettering should be easy to read, and headings easy to locate.  If in doubt, use Arial in size 11-12 . You can also employ bold font, italic font, and underlining for section headings or for highlighting important information.

The  most common resume format  is the reverse chronological format. Within each section (education, work experience, certification, etc.), list your accomplishments from the most recent to the most distant in time.

If you would like to  highlight specific skills  related to lifeguarding (for example, if you have received special training or have participated in sports such as a swimming team) you can do so using a  functional or combination resume format .

These types of resumes will highlight your skills first and your experience and education second.

The  design of your lifeguard resume  will depend greatly on the culture of the company to which you are applying. How so?

Consider a comparison of two different lifeguard employers. The first is the swimming pool at a country club, where members often conduct business conversations poolside. The second is an eclectic surf and dive shop that displays brightly colored artwork on the inside and outside walls of its office.

Which do you think would prefer a  traditional professional resume style ? If you answered “the country club,” you are correct. Which might be attracted to a colorful, more  creative design ? Likely the surf shop would see this as a fit.

In the United States, including a photo with your resume is generally unnecessary. At times, you may be asked to include a passport-style photo for identification purposes, such as for the creation of an ID badge to be worn while at work.

Sections of a Lifeguard Resume

The most  important sections to include in your lifeguard resume  are certifications and education , followed by work experience.

Many lifeguard employers require that you have taken a  lifeguarding course , such as the Lifeguarding and Water Safety Class provided by the American Red Cross. You may also be expected to have a CPR certification. Before submitting your resume, inquire as to whether certification is a prerequisite or if your employer will supply this training.

Many high school and college students take on  lifeguarding as a summer job.  As such, you may not have any formal work experience . That’s okay. If you have work experience, list it in reverse chronological order. If not, omit this section.

If work experience is not available, the  education section  increases in importance. List in reverse chronological order any degrees or certificates you have received, including your high school diploma or GED. If you are still in school, include your school’s information, the degree you are working toward, and your expected year of graduation.

Instead of work experience, you may also  include volunteer activities , awards, and skills. Highlight skills that can be drawn from other activities. For example, babysitting requires a similar degree of watchfulness, and swim team competitions display proficiency in the water.

Your resume should be no more than one page in length . Format your resume to fit on standard 8.5 by 11-inch letter-size paper.

Lifeguard Resume Section Headings

Certifications and skills should be highlighted in your lifeguard resume . If you are a student,  citing your educational accomplishments  will also go a long way toward establishing a record of responsibility.

Certificates & courses

As previously mentioned,  most lifeguard positions require training , such as the American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Class, as well as CPR certification. List these certifications  as well as the date  you completed the training.

Other aquatic activities certifications can also demonstrate your ability in the water. If you have scuba or boating certifications, list these as well.

Swimming ability  is one of the most important skills in lifeguarding. Have you taken a swimming class? Do you participate in aquatic sports, such as surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, free diving, swim team, or water skiing? Have you ever worked in the aquatic industry? If so, list these skills.

Your schooling likely has not included lifeguard training, but good grades and completion of diplomas can highlight additional qualities.

If you don’t have  previous work experience , your schooling can demonstrate dependability, responsibility, and work ethic.

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3 Lifeguard Resume Examples to Dive into Jobs in 2024

Lifeguard Resume

Lifeguard no experience resume, lifeguard supervisor resume.

• Write Your Lifeguard Resume

Whether at the beach or swimming pool, you’re passionate about creating a safe environment for everyone. You enforce rules, maintain vigilance, and provide fast emergency procedures whenever needed.

However, it’s not uncommon for lifeguard applicants to feel lost when choosing the right job skills for their resume.

We’ve conducted in-depth research to create our cover letter maker and lifeguard resume examples that’ll lend you a helping hand in 2024. They’ll provide you with the ideal resume template for success along the way.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• These are crucial factors to leverage in designing an ideal lifeguard resume. With an added touch of powerful metrics, your piece can stand out for highlighting your experience in acting decisively in moments of crisis.

• Observe how Leo’s example effectively lists safety tools and equipment in the skills section and also leverages former experience of being a team captain for a swimming club. These impressive resume skills and team captain experience help grab the recruiter’s attention by letting them know Leo’s abilities and attention to safety protocols.

• For instance, try adding how using the Fox 40 Classic Whistle helped decrease drowning accidents by up to 38% to make your resume shine!

Related resume examples

• Security guard
• Security officer
• Firefighter
• Police officer

Include the Right Skills on Your Lifeguard Resume by Tailoring it to the Job Description

When you’re working at a pool or beach, you know you need to enforce specific rules that are tailored to the facility’s needs. The same is true for your lifeguard resume.

You can stand out by using a mix of top aquatics industry skills and what the organization emphasizes in the job description . For instance, a job looking for a lifeguard supervisor will want you to possess great leadership skills while ensuring schedules are optimized for around-the-clock supervision.

Need some ideas?

15 best lifeguard skills

• Customer Service
• Water Safety
• First Aid/CPR
• Rescue Tubes/Boards
• Surveillance
• Aquatic Safety 
• Team Leadership
• Risk Assessments
• Beach Patrol
• Distress Identification
• Trauma Bags
• 10:20 Systems
• Supplemental Oxygen
• Rescue Buoys
• Two-way Radios

Your lifeguard work experience bullet points

Your ability to use 10:20 systems during surveillance while providing excellent customer service will stand out to aquatics hiring managers. That said, when every guest’s safety will be under your watch, they will still need more details before deciding to bring you in for an interview. 

A great way to stand out is by providing examples using numbers that show you can take action at a moment’s notice and get excellent results. For example, you could explain how you stayed vigilant to enforce pool rules, reducing emergency incidents by 54%. 

Here are some great metrics to include on lifeguard resumes.

• Response times: The quicker you respond to incidents, the better the results you can achieve.
• Safety scores: Enforcing pool rules and taking the right precautions are crucial for lifeguards to be successful.  
• Customer satisfaction: Keeping guests safe and answering questions in a friendly way is vital to keep them coming back to the pool.
• Accuracy: Accurately identifying safety incidents is a great way to showcase your vigilance on the job. 

See what we mean?

• Implemented an advanced lifeguard rotation system with WhenToWork, Lowering lifeguard fatigue by 34.9% and ensuring maximum vigilance.
• Directed monthly emergency response drills, increasing team readiness scores by 37%.
• Initiated a ‘Hydrate while you Swim’ campaign, mitigating dehydration cases by up to 61% during hot summer months.
• Collaborated with management to make the American Red Cross First Aid App a mandatory tool for all lifeguards, resulting in a 46.2% reduction in first aid errors.

9 active verbs to start your lifeguard work experience bullet points

3 tips to enhance your lifeguard resume when you don’t have much experience.

• A hobbies & interests section is a great way for entry-level lifeguards to include more relevant job skills . For example, you could explain how your time on your school’s swim team has equipped you with skills in front stroke and breaststroke necessary for technical rescue techniques.  
• A career objective at the top of your resume will help show why you’re passionate about aquatic safety and some key skills that stand out. For instance, you could write about how you’re eager to apply the skills you learned through your Red Cross swim certificate to ensure a safe and enjoyable pool experience for guests.  
• Even if you haven’t worked as a lifeguard, many other positions will have skills that will translate. For example, following strict safety protocols as a pool cleaner or providing great customer service as a receptionist are translatable skills that would stand out. 

3 Tips to Make Your Lifeguard Resume Stand Out When You Have Experience

• When aquatics hiring managers are reviewing experienced applicants, they’ll be looking for critical skills and achievements that catch their attention immediately. So, listing your most recent experiences first that include relevant skills in pool safety and rescue is a great way to optimize for success. 
• As you gain lifeguarding experience, some of your previous jobs won’t be as relevant anymore. Aim to list three or four jobs that are the most recent and use a relevant skill set to what each organization is seeking. For instance, if you’re applying to be a beach lifeguard, previous experiences patrolling beaches or evaluating water conditions are what you would want to emphasize.
• While hiring managers are comparing experienced applicants, a great way to stand out is by measuring the exact impact you had on pool safety and customer satisfaction. So, always include numbers like safety scores and response readiness to show why you’re the best fit. 

Lifeguards should keep their resumes on a single page. A concise one-page resume will ensure you limit it to the most important details about your vigilance and pool safety skills, allowing hiring managers to easily identify them during quick reviews. 

Lifeguards are required to be certified, such as completing Red Cross lifeguard training and obtaining a CPR/AED certification. You should list any relevant education to show your well-rounded abilities in rescue equipment and techniques required for the job. 

To optimize for ATS checks, list the exact name of the position as it’s written in the job post, such as “pool lifeguard,” at the top of your resume. Also, make sure you include some skills that are emphasized in the job description exactly as they’re written, like 10:20 systems or CPR-certified. 

Lifeguard Resume Example (Free Guide)

Create an lifeguard resume that lands you the interview with our free examples and writing tips. use and customize our template and land an interview today..

Are you looking for a job as a lifeguard? As a lifeguard, you will be responsible for the safety of swimmers in a pool or other aquatic facility. If you’re ready to take on this important role, you need a strong resume to prove your skills and experience to employers. Our Lifeguard Resume Example article provides a detailed look at what a successful lifeguard resume should include, from key skills and certifications to a professional summary and job history. Read on to learn how to create a resume that will help you land the job of your dreams.

We will cover:

• How to write a resume , no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a resume to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder .
• What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

What does a Lifeguard do?

A lifeguard is responsible for the safety of people in, on, and around the water. They monitor the swimming area to ensure that swimmers are following safety guidelines, such as no diving in shallow waters. They also respond to emergency situations, provide first aid, and rescue swimmers in danger. Lifeguards may also arrange swimming lessons and provide information to swimmers about safety rules.

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What are some responsibilities of a Lifeguard?

• Monitor swimmers to prevent accidents and provide assistance if necessary
• Enforce pool rules and regulations
• Provide medical assistance when needed
• Perform rescues and CPR when necessary
• Maintain order and cleanliness of the pool area
• Provide customer service such as answering questions and providing directions
• Inspect equipment and performing general maintenance
• Complete paperwork such as incident reports and daily logs

Sample Lifeguard Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details: Name: Joseph Doe Address: 123 Street, City, State, Zip Code Phone: (123) 456-7890 Email: [email protected]

Summary: Joseph Doe is an experienced Lifeguard who has a passion for providing the best possible safety to swimmers and pool patrons. He has an extensive background in lifesaving and first aid and is certified to handle emergency situations. He has a strong knowledge of water safety regulations and is an excellent communicator who is able to enforce policies and procedures with ease. Joseph is also bilingual and proficient in Spanish.

Work Experience:

• Lifeguard, ABC Pool, City, State - June 2014 - Present
• Provide safety and security to swimmers and pool patrons
• Perform maintenance and cleaning duties
• Provide first aid and lifesaving assistance
• Lifeguard, XYZ Pool, City, State - July 2012 - June 2014

Education: ABC High School, City, State - Graduated June 2012

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of water safety regulations
• Proficient in first aid and lifesaving
• Ability to handle emergency situations

Certifications:

• Lifeguard Certification
• First Aid Certification
• CPR Certification

Languages: English (Fluent) Spanish (Fluent)

Resume tips for Lifeguard

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Lifeguard resume tips. We collected the best tips from seasoned Lifeguard - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

• Highlight any certifications and training related to lifeguarding.
• Include any relevant customer service experience.
• Mention any leadership roles and the ability to take initiative.
• Demonstrate an ability to be a team player.
• Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations.

Lifeguard Resume Summary Examples

A lifeguard resume summary or resume objective is an important part of a job application and can help you stand out from the crowd. It is a brief statement that summarizes your skills and qualifications and highlights why you are the best candidate for the job. It should also focus on the experience and achievements that are most relevant to the position. This can help employers quickly assess a candidate's suitability for the role and make a decision on who to interview. For Example:

• Experienced lifeguard with 5+ years of experience monitoring and ensuring safety of swimmers. Knowledgeable in water rescue and emergency response.
• Energetic and responsible lifeguard with 3 years of experience overseeing recreational areas and providing assistance to swimmers. Certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Certified lifeguard with proven ability to respond quickly to emergency situations. Possess strong customer service skills. Skilled in pool maintenance and upkeep.
• Dedicated lifeguard with over 4 years of experience in providing pool safety to swimmers of all ages. Certified in First Aid and CPR. Adept in water rescue and emergency response.
• Skilled lifeguard with 2 years of experience in monitoring the pool and providing assistance to customers. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Lifeguard Resume

A strong experience section on a lifeguard resume is important because it highlights your transferable skills and achievements. It also shows potential employers that you have the necessary qualifications, certifications, and experience to be successful in the role. Furthermore, it demonstrates that you have the knowledge and expertise to be a responsible and reliable lifeguard. Lastly, a strong experience section allows employers to easily identify the qualities that make you the ideal candidate for the job. For Example:

• Performed rescues, first aid, CPR, and AED in accordance with the American Red Cross standards.
• Maintained active surveillance of the pool area while on duty.
• Ensured all swimmers are aware of, and adhere to, all safety regulations.
• Conducted daily testing of pool chemistry and equipment.
• Trained new lifeguards and provided feedback on their performance.
• Assisted with pool maintenance and cleaning.
• Informed supervisor of any maintenance or safety issues.
• Managed and enforced pool rules in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ensured pool areas are always clean and well-maintained.
• Provided customer service in lifeguard and public relations.

Lifeguard resume education example

Lifeguards will typically need to have a current certification in CPR, First Aid and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use. Depending on where they are working, they may also need certifications in water rescue, child and infant CPR, oxygen administration, and lifeguard instruction. Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Lifeguard resume:

• Associate of Science Degree in Exercise Science, 2020
• CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard Certification, 2019
• Water Safety Instructor, 2018
• Lifeguard Training, 2017
• High School Diploma, 2016

Lifeguard Skills for a Resume

It is important to add relevant skills to a Lifeguard Resume because it allows employers to quickly identify if you have the qualifications and knowledge necessary to perform the job effectively. Skills should be tailored to the job you are applying for and should demonstrate how you can contribute to the company. Some common skills for Lifeguard Resumes include: • Excellent water safety skills • Ability to remain calm under pressure • Ability to react quickly in emergency situations • Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers • Good interpersonal skills • Ability to work well as part of a team • Excellent physical fitness • Ability to maintain professional composure at all times • Basic first aid and CPR certification Soft Skills:

• Communication
• Decision-Making
• Conflict Resolution
• Problem-Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Time Management
• Organizational
• First Aid Training
• Water Rescue
• Public Safety
• Emergency Response
• Risk Assessments
• Swimming Ability

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Lifeguard Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

• Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
• Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
• Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
• Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
• Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
• Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
• Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Lifeguard resume

• Highlight experience and certifications in lifeguarding
• Include any specialized training or additional certifications
• Mention any experience in first aid, CPR, and other emergency response
• List any customer service or communication skills
• Describe any leadership roles or team experience
• Include any awards or recognition received

Lifeguard Resume Example

Sashika Dilshan

Do you know why you don't receive many interview opportunities? It is a weakness of your lifeguard resume. So you can use the following tips to convert your document into a job-winning resume.

No hidden costs. Download your ATS-Friendly resume in PDF for absolutely FREE after creating.

Lifeguard Resume

No need to start from the beginning. Edit this resume sample with your information and keywords from the job posting.

Best Tips to Build a Job-Winning Lifeguard Resume

Are you a beginner in resume writing? Do not worry! We have a perfect guide on ' How to write an impressive resume ' You can read the full article and be educated. The following resume tips go beyond the common writing process and will teach you how to create an interview-increasable resume for you.

Advantage of Using a Descriptive Job Title

Can you understand the difference between “Lifeguard” and “CPR Certified Lifeguard” job titles? The second job title directly sends the idea that the applicant has an extra and required qualification to the recruiters. That is a descriptive job title and it can draw the recruiters’ attention more than a common job title.

So try to mention a descriptive job title in your lifeguard resume. You can link a certification or unique skill into your job title and make it descriptive and impressive.

Build Powerful Achievements about Your Career History

A lifeguard starts his shifts at about 4.00 AM. Because there may be some members who practice swimming in the early morning. So the recruiters want to hire a guard who has flexible hours. So mention in your achievements that you have worked in different shifts and you have been appreciated by prior club authorities for your acceptance in given shifts.

Ensuring the safety of the members of the club is the main responsibility of the lifeguard. Therefore the recruiters want to hire a person who cares about safety first. So you can build achievements to reveal how you saved the lives of the previous club members.

The recruiters want a guard as well as an instructor about the procedure in the swimming area. Therefore they tend to hire an educated person about the pool area rules. So you must bring up the situation that you have educated the swimmers and save them from danger. Also, try to inform them that you were a positive role model in prior clubs.

The hiring managers want to know your knowledge about the common equipment used by a safeguard. Therefore make an effort to compress the situations you have used the machines and equipment successfully.

Usually, the safeguard uses physical restraint devices, sensing devices, and safety control devices such as two-hand controls and pressure-sensitive body bars.

The lifeguard should take the responsibility to rescue the victim in any condition. So there is a rescue process for the victim by ensuring also the safety of the guard. For example, understanding the condition, a safety entering the water, performing an appropriate rescue, moving the victim to safety, and removing the victim from the water. You can explain how you used this safety procedure in your accomplishments.

Highlight Relevant Soft Skills in Your Resume

Communicational Skills:- The lifeguard must express the ideas to the club members effectively. Also must understand the needs of the audience. Therefore highlight you are an expert in verbal communication.

Interpersonal Skills:- A lifeguard must contact all members and advise them to connect with other members on the club promotional occasions. Also, he is responsible to supervise a group and teach the swim lessons. Therefore the applicant must have good interpersonal skills to engage with others.

Responsibility:- The lifeguard is responsible for the lives of the swim participants. Therefore he should be a responsible person and the first responder in and around the pool. So do not forget to mention this skill in your resume.

Fitness:- The applicant must be a healthy and fit person. Because he should act swiftly in emergencies and save the aggrieved party.

Mention the Certifications Related to Your Lifesaving Training

A certification that includes both classroom hours and practical training in life training is the most required qualification to be a lifeguard. However, CPR, AED & First Aid Certifications are the best certifications for this field.

You need to mention the certification name, certified date, and organization under the ‘ Certifications & Licenses ’ section to prove your certification.

Have You Ever Been a Swimming Champion?

If yes that is an extra chance to showcase your talent in the swimming field. So you can mention the details about the awards you have under the optional section named ‘ Awards & Honors ’. Do not forget to compress at least the award name, awarded date, and organization under this area.

Attach a Perfect Cover Letter

A Lifeguard cover letter can top up your resume. Also, it helps to draw the recruiters’ attention to your lifeguard resume. Though the hiring managers do not request a cover letter from you, submit an impressive cover letter with your resume.

Lifeguard Resume (Text Version)

Andrew lincoln, red cross certified lifeguard.

Johnstown, New York

+(310) 0000 000

[email protected]

LinkedIn – Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewlincoln/example/

Professional Summary

Experienced Lifeguard with 10 years of experience in the quick life-saving field who got the First Aid, CPR, and AED certification in 2016. Awarded as the best guard of the year for ensuring 100% safety and security of the guests.

See the complete resume summary guide

Work Experience

Lifeguard – 2015/Jan to Present

Athletic & Swim Club, New York

• Conducted a swimming class 10 hours per week for 20+ children below 15 years age limit.
• Accepted extra shifts of other lifeguards and increased 10% of company satisfaction.
• Cleaned and well maintained the pool environment before and after every swimming session.
• Recognized 50+ emergencies and rescued the victims by using proper methods immediately.

Lifeguard – 2010/Jan to 2014/Dec

YMCA, California

• Saved 20+ lives on the beach and informed 100+ swimmers and beachgoers about the dangers of the place.
• Educated 100+ vacationers and swimmers about safety methods and swimming techniques.
• Developed the facilities of indoor and outdoor pools and enhanced customer satisfaction by 20%.
• Coordinated 30+ pre-scheduled private swimming lessons.

High School Diploma – 2004/Jan to 2006/Dec

Gilbert Classical Academy, Arizona

High School Diploma – 2014 Jan – 2015 Dec

Oswego Junior Senior High School, KS

Certifications

First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification 2016/Feb

American Red Cross

Basic Life Support Certification 2013/Jan

American Heart Association

• Risk Assessment
• Swimmer Identification
• Scanning & Vigilance Techniques
• Weather Forecasting
• Stress Tolerant
• Manual Dexterity
• Infant CPR Training
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Time Management skills
• Teamwork skills
• Multi-tasking skills
• Leadership skills
• Flexibility

English – Native Speaker

French – Very Good Command

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