17 Pool Lifeguard Interview Questions and Answers

Do you have what it takes to be a pool lifeguard? This is a question you will likely be asked during your job interview. As a pool lifeguard, you are responsible for the safety of the swimmers in the pool. This includes watching the swimmers, keeping an eye on the pool area, and responding to emergencies.

In order to be a successful pool lifeguard, you need to be able to swim well, have good judgment, and be able to respond quickly to emergencies. You should also be able to work well with others and be able to follow instructions.

To help you prepare for your job interview, we have put together a list of pool lifeguard interview questions and answers.

Are you CPR certified?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have the necessary skills and training to perform your job duties. If they do, it’s important to let them know that you are CPR certified and provide details about when you received certification.

Example: “Yes, I am CPR certified through American Red Cross. I received my certification in 2016 after completing a course online. The course was six hours long and included both written and practical exams. After passing both parts of the exam, I received my certification.”

What are some of the most important skills for a pool lifeguard to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important skills and how they can benefit a pool facility.

Example: “The two most important skills for a lifeguard are communication and observation. These skills allow me to keep my eyes on swimmers while also speaking with other staff members or parents about any concerns I may notice. Another skill that is helpful is CPR certification, as it allows me to provide emergency care to anyone who needs it.”

How would you handle a situation where multiple people are arguing on the deck?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills. They want to see that you can help people work through their disagreements and keep the peace on deck. In your answer, try to highlight your communication and problem-solving skills.

Example: “If I saw multiple people arguing on the deck, I would first make sure everyone is safe. Then, I would approach each person individually and ask them what’s going on. I would listen carefully to both sides of the story and then explain how we need to resolve the situation in a way that makes everyone feel comfortable. If necessary, I might call for backup from another lifeguard.”

What is the proper procedure for handling a missing swimmer?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of proper safety procedures. When answering, it can be helpful to provide a step-by-step process for handling this situation.

Example: “If I notice a swimmer missing from the pool area, I would first check the bathroom and locker rooms. If they are not there, I would ask other lifeguards if they have seen them. Then, I would call over one of my fellow guards to help me search the entire facility. After that, we would both go into the water and look for the missing swimmer. We would continue searching until we found them or determined that they were no longer in the facility.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision while on the job.

When an interviewer asks you to provide an example of a time when you made a difficult decision, they are trying to learn more about your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to make that decision and what the outcome was.

Example: “When I worked as a lifeguard at my local pool, there were times when I would have to decide whether or not to call 911 for a swimmer who had been in the water for too long. In these situations, I always try to assess the situation first before making any calls. If someone is acting strangely in the water, I will immediately call 911. However, if someone has been in the water for a while but seems fine, I will ask them some questions to see how they’re feeling. If they seem confused or disoriented, I will call 911.”

If someone is visibly upset in the water, how would you approach them?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle difficult situations. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when you helped someone who was upset in the water and what your approach was.

Example: “When I see someone visibly upset in the water, my first instinct is to go over and ask if they’re okay. If they say yes, then I’ll usually stay nearby just in case they need me. If they say no, then I will try to get them out of the water as quickly as possible. In this situation, I would make sure that they are safe before asking any questions about their well-being.”

What would you do if you saw a parent abusing their child in the water?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your conflict resolution skills. It’s important that you show how you would handle this situation in a calm and professional manner, while also protecting the child from further harm.

Example: “If I saw a parent abusing their child in the water, I would immediately remove them from the pool area. I would then call my supervisor over to help me with the situation. If the child was injured or distressed, I would take them out of the pool and into an isolated area where they could recover. I would make sure to keep other swimmers away from the incident so no one else got hurt.”

How well can you see underwater?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your vision and determine if you have any limitations that would prevent you from performing your duties as a lifeguard. If you have poor eyesight, be honest about it and explain how you compensate for this limitation.

Example: “I have 20/20 vision in both my eyes, but I do need corrective lenses when I’m on land. However, I’ve been swimming since I was young, so I am very comfortable underwater and can see clearly even without my glasses. In fact, I often take them off while working because they fog up too much.”

Do you have experience working with children?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with children and how well you interact with them. If you do not have direct experience, you can talk about your ability to work with children and relate it to your previous experiences.

Example: “I worked as a camp counselor for two summers in high school. I was responsible for leading activities and games that kept the kids entertained while teaching them important lessons. I also helped supervise the pool during my time as a lifeguard at the local community center.”

When is it appropriate to leave your post to help a swimmer?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you make decisions in a fast-paced environment. Use your answer to highlight your ability to think critically and act quickly when making important choices.

Example: “I once had a swimmer who was struggling with their freestyle stroke. They were trying to get across the pool, but they kept turning around because they couldn’t figure out why they weren’t moving forward. I left my post to help them understand what they were doing wrong. After explaining it to them, they understood and were able to complete the lap on their own. It’s important to leave your post if someone is having trouble or needs assistance.”

We want to encourage swimmers to be independent and make decisions for themselves. How would you encourage a swimmer to be more self-sufficient?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you might encourage independence in swimmers and also how you would handle a situation where a swimmer is making poor decisions.

Example: “I believe that encouraging independence is an important part of being a lifeguard, especially for younger swimmers. I try to make sure that my instructions are clear and concise so that they’re easy to follow. If a swimmer asks me a question about what I’ve just told them, I’ll answer their question as best I can but then redirect them back to the task at hand. This helps them learn how to do things on their own while still getting the guidance they need.”

Describe your strategy for patrolling the pool area.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you plan your workday and whether you have a system for keeping track of pool patrons. Use examples from previous experience to describe your process for patrolling the pool area, including how you keep track of who’s in the water and when they’re due for their next checkup.

Example: “I start my patrol at one end of the pool deck and walk along the perimeter of the pool, checking each patron as I go. Then I move to the other side of the pool and repeat this process until I’ve checked every person in the pool. After that, I walk around the entire pool again to make sure no one has gone underwater without being noticed.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you would be a good fit for the role. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description so that you can refer to specific requirements or skills they are looking for in their ideal candidate. In your answer, try to highlight any of these qualities that you possess.

Example: “I believe I am an ideal candidate for this position because of my extensive experience as a lifeguard. Throughout my career, I have worked at several different pools, which has given me valuable insight into what makes a great pool environment. I also understand the importance of safety and emergency procedures, which is why I always take training seriously. I know I could provide excellent care for swimmers while maintaining a fun atmosphere.”

Which pool safety regulations are you most familiar with?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of pool safety regulations. It’s important that you understand all relevant laws and regulations, so be sure to thoroughly research any questions you’re unsure about before your interview.

Example: “I am most familiar with the American Red Cross guidelines for lifeguarding, as well as the state-specific requirements for my home state. I also have experience working in pools that are not required to follow specific regulations, which means I’m comfortable following the standards set by the American Red Cross.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of being a pool lifeguard?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your priorities and how you view this role. It’s important to show that you understand what it takes to be an effective pool lifeguard, but also that you have other skills that make you a well-rounded candidate.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of being a pool lifeguard is safety. I take my job very seriously because I know that if I don’t do everything in my power to keep swimmers safe, someone could get hurt or even die. That’s why I always stay alert and ready to respond to any emergencies.”

How often do you recommend pool patrons shower before entering the water?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of pool safety. It’s important to make sure that swimmers shower before entering the water, as this helps prevent bacteria from spreading and causing infections. In your answer, you should explain why it’s important for patrons to shower before swimming and how often you recommend they do so.

Example: “I always encourage my patrons to shower before entering the pool. This is because chlorine doesn’t kill all germs, which means there are still some bacteria in the water after sanitization. Showering before getting into the pool can help reduce the risk of infection.”

There is a thunderstorm approaching, but there are still swimmers in the water. How do you handle the situation?

This question is a great way to test your decision-making skills and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show the interviewer that you can make quick decisions while still prioritizing safety.

Example: “I would first ask everyone in the water to get out of the pool, then I would check on anyone who may be too young or unable to get out of the water themselves. Once all swimmers are out of the water, I would close the gate and wait for further instructions from my supervisor.”