Lifeguard Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)
- Beach Lifeguard
- Head Lifeguard
- Lifeguard Supervisor
Most Popular Lifeguard Resumes
Lifeguard Resume Example
Pool Lifeguard Resume Example
High School Student Lifeguard Resume Example
Lifeguard Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Lifeguard Resume
As a lifeguard, you play an integral role in maintaining the safety of swimmers in unpredictable aquatic environments. To generate interviews during the job search, you need an accomplishment-driven resume that emphasizes your expertise in emergency response and advanced rescue techniques. We’ll walk you through each step of the resume-writing process to help translate your experience as a lifeguard into eye-catching content.
1. Craft a compelling profile highlighting your lifeguard expertise
Lead with an engaging opening summary that sets the stage for your lifeguard resume and draws the reader in. Emphasize your years of experience and commitment to public safety. Showcase your unique background leading emergency response efforts, managing lifeguard teams, and delivering water safety training. Highlight your unique ability to improve safety compliance and enhance response times to water-related emergencies.
Strong Lifeguard Resume Profile Example
An accomplished head lifeguard with eight years of experience, specializing in team management, emergency medical services, and safety education. A proven track record of leading successful rescue operations for over 500 emergency incidents.
Weak Lifeguard Resume Profile Example
A lifeguard with several years of experience. Skilled in supervising swimmers and enforcing rules. Excited for the opportunity to join your team as the new head lifeguard.
2. Highlight your lifeguard accomplishments in an achievment-driven experience section
Feature your most impressive career achievements in the professional experience section of your lifeguard resume. Craft short but impactful bullet points that demonstrate how your contributions have improved lifeguard operations and prevented serious injuries to swimmers. Showcase your ability to coordinate rescue efforts and determine appropriate actions in high-pressure situations. Incorporate numbers and hard data to convey a clearer picture of your experience, such as the number of emergencies you resolved or the size of the team you managed.
Strong Lifeguard Resume Professional Experience Example
Senior Lifeguard
Jacksonville Beach Patrol, Jacksonville, FL | February 2021 – present
- Lead a team of 15 lifeguards, deliver comprehensive training on safety regulations and advanced rescue techniques, and provide coaching and mentorship
- Identify opportunities to enhance team performance and beach monitoring protocols, resulting in a 10% reduction in average response time
- Coordinate rescue efforts for over 500 emergency situations, including communicating with emergency services and determining optimal rescue approaches
Weak Lifeguard Resume Professional Experience Example
Lifeguard
University Pool, Any City, USA | July 2017 – May 2018
- Watched over swimmers to prevent accidents and water-related incidents
- Provided helpful support during a wide range of emergencies
- Helped to train new lifeguards
3. Add education and certifications that align with your lifeguard experience
Organize your education and professional certifications into two separate sections on your resume. Although there aren’t specific college degrees for lifeguards, an associate degree in emergency medical services is highly relevant for these types of roles. That said, certifications will be much more pertinent, as these credentials are often requirements for lifeguard positions. In addition to CPR and first-aid credentials, you also need a Lifeguard Certification (LG). If you intend to pursue a leadership position, consider pursuing a Lifeguard Instruction Certification (LGI).
Education Example
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example
- Bachelor of Science in Sports Management
- Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL | May 2019
- Associate of Science in Physical Education
- Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA | December 2017
Certifications Example
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- Lifeguard Instructor Certification (LGI), American Red Cross, 2016
- Certified Pool Operator (CPO), National Swimming Pool Foundation, 2017
- Lifeguard Certification (LG), American Red Cross, 2018
4. Feature the key skills required for lifeguards
Incorporate keywords from the job description into your skills, profile, and professional experience section to ensure compliance with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Feature a mix of water safety and leadership skills to show potential employers your versatility. Provide examples of you utilizing these skill sets to maintain swimmer safety in pool and beach environments. Below are key terms to consider adding to your lifeguard resume:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Advanced rescue techniques | Advanced swimming proficiency |
| Beach safety regulations | Communication |
| CPR and first-aid certified | Emergency medical services |
| Emergency response planning | Leadership |
| Physical fitness and endurance | Pool safety regulations |
| Public safety | Risk mitigation |
| Team management | Training and development |
| Water rescue techniques | Water safety |
Frequently Asked Questions: Lifeguard Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for lifeguard resumes?-
Incorporating action verbs is a great way to help the hiring manager visualize your professional achievements and contributions. That said, it’s easy to repeat the same few verbs, weakening the overall impact of your bullet points. To help you get over the hump, we’ve compiled a list of action verbs to craft the professional experience section of your lifeguard resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Administered | Communicated |
| Conducted | Coordinated |
| Delivered | Enforced |
| Identified | Implemented |
| Improved | Instructed |
| Led | Managed |
| Monitored | Operated |
| Oversaw | Patrolled |
| Rescued | Supervised |
| Trained | Treated |
How do you align your resume with a lifeguard job description?-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 123,560 new openings are projected each year for lifeguard occupations. Despite the steady growth rate, it’s still important to go the extra mile and tailor your lifeguard resume to the job description. By aligning your document with the needs of each organization, you can maximize your chances of securing interviews.
For example, if a beach patrol is seeking a head lifeguard with a strong background in emergency response planning, provide tangible examples of how you helped to improve team readiness and reduce incident response times.
What is the best lifeguard resume format?-
The reverse chronological format is recommended for lifeguard resumes. This format places your most recent and relevant experience towards the top of your document, making it easier for hiring managers to assess your qualifications. A combination format should only be considered for entry-level job seekers who need to feature education, skills, and certifications more prominently.
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Once you’ve completed your lifeguard resume, consider pairing it with a strong cover letter to take your application to the next level. Customize your cover letter for each job and convey your genuine interest in the opportunity. Emphasize your passion and dedication to public safety to show employers that your values align with the organization.
