How to Write a Lifeguard Resume (Examples & Templates)

Ready to make a splash in your lifeguard career? Your lifeguard resume is your first step to securing that coveted position. In this article, you'll find expert advice and lifeguard resume examples designed to highlight your skills, experience, and the unique lifeguard responsibilities that set you apart.

This guide will show you:

• A lifeguard resume example that outshines 90% of the competition.
• How to craft a lifeguard resume that will get you noticed.
• Tips and examples to effectively showcase skills and achievements on a lifeguard resume.
• How to present your experience to land any lifeguard job you desire.

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Want to explore more lifeguard samples? Here’s a selection:

• High School Student Resume
• College Student Resume
• College Graduate Resume
• Resume for Teens
• Tour Guide Resume
• EMT/Paramedic Resume
• Security Officer Resume
• Personal Trainer Resume
• Basketball Coach Resume
• Soccer Resume
• Sample Resumes for 500+ Jobs

Lifeguard Resume Sample

Now that’s one of those amazing lifeguard resume examples. Here’s how to write your own:

1. Format Your Lifeguard Resume Correctly

Your lifeguard resume must stand out from the start because the competition is intense. So, what's the key to capturing the attention of hiring managers? A professional resume format is crucial.

To format your lifeguard resume:

• Start with a resume header featuring your name, contact number, email, and relevant social media or professional links. These are vital resume contact details.
• While your full address isn't necessary, including your city can be useful if it's relevant to the job location.
• Use a reverse-chronological format to highlight your most recent job first. This is the preferred resume layout by employers.
• Choose a professional resume font like Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial, maintaining its size between 10 and 12 points.
• Save your resume as “Your Name—Lifeguard—Resume.pdf” to ensure the formatting remains consistent with PDF format.
• Aim for perfect resume length: that’s a one-page resume, especially if you're starting out. More experienced individuals can extend to two pages if necessary.

Pro Tip: While your full address isn't necessary, including your city can be useful if it's relevant to the job location.

2. Customize Your Lifeguard Job Description

Did you know that only 18% of lifeguards work full-time, while 82% work part-time jobs? Whichever category you’re applying to, you need a standout resume. The best way to ace it? Tailor your resume to the job you’re after with the right work experience section.

Here's how to effectively highlight your experience on a lifeguard resume:

• Use the exact job title as advertised. ATS systems are more effective with precise position titles.
• Listing the company's name and your employment dates in each entry.
• Follow this information with 3–6 bullet points. Use more for recent positions and fewer for older roles.
• Demonstrate your skills by showcasing accomplishments. The best resume achievements include metrics and key performance indicators.
• Begin each point with strong resume action verbs such as rescued, monitored, and responded.

Lifeguard Responsibilities for a Resume - Example

• Monitor pool and beach areas to ensure swimmer safety.
• Respond quickly to emergencies and provide first aid when necessary.
• Enforce rules and regulations to prevent accidents and maintain order.
• Conduct regular safety checks and maintain rescue equipment.
• Educate patrons on water safety practices and emergency procedures.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in the swimming area.

Remember to use action verbs that effectively convey your responsibilities and achievements. Here are some action verbs for lifeguards:

Lifeguard Resume Action Verbs - Example

• Rescued
• Monitored
• Enforced
• Responded
• Educated
• Collaborated
• Patrolled
• Assisted
• Secured
• Maintained

Got some experience that doesn’t seem as relevant as needed? Read our guide and learn what to do with it: Should You Include Irrelevant Experience on a Resume

3. Make Your Lifeguard Resume Education Section Count

Memorizing the Professional Lifeguard Manual can be helpful, but it won’t replace a well-crafted education section on your resume. Strengthen your resume by demonstrating how your education adds value, just as the Red Cross Manual deepens your expertise.

Follow these tips for making a great education section:

• Place your degree immediately after your work history.
• Include relevant coursework to demonstrate your competencies, especially when writing an entry-level resume.
• Highlight academic achievements like fellowships or leadership roles with bullet points.
• Add GPA on a resume only if it equals or exceeds 3.5.

Still learning? Read more: Ongoing Education on a Resume

4. Prove the Lifeguard Skills the Company Wants

You know you need to highlight skills on a resume, but there's a strategy to doing it right. It's not just about listing lifguard skills—focus on the ones the job ad emphasizes.

Here's how to showcase your lifeguard skills on a resume:

• The skills mentioned in the job ad are crucial resume keywords. Integrate these into your skills list.
• Avoid overwhelming your resume with too many skills. A concise list ensures the most important ones stand out.
• Maximize your interview chances by making sure these skills are reflected in both your job and education bullet points.

Lifeguard Resume Skills

• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Swimming Proficiency
• Emergency Response
• Water Rescue Techniques
• Rule Enforcement
• Safety Awareness
• Conflict Resolution
• Interpersonal skills
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Organizational skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Time management skills
• Stress management
• Teamwork skills
• Adaptability

Creating a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide and use content from Certified Professional Resume Writers to have a resume ready in minutes.

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Read more: What is the Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills

5. Add Other Sections to Your Lifeguard Resume

Enhance your resume by including sections that show your potential to be an exceptional team member. These additional elements can make you stand out:

• Highlight relevant certifications such as Lifeguard Training or CPR certifications.
• List your publications on a resume to position you as an expert.
• Mention any professional associations, like being a member of a lifeguard association, to show engagement.
• Showcase volunteer work related to water safety or community events.
• Include your language skills to appeal to diverse environments.

Some things might surprise you during a job interview. Get ready: How to Answer ‘Tell me Something That’s not on Your Resume’ Interview Question

6. Write a Lifeguard Resume Summary or Resume Objective

Make sure your resume grabs attention from the get-go with a compelling resume introduction. Craft a concise resume profile that captures the essence of your qualifications and achievements. It's like an elevator pitch, but more condensed, aiming to impress in just a few seconds.

If you have more than a year of experience, mention it. State your job title, how you can contribute to the organization, and some noteworthy accomplishments. This is your resume professional summary, prominently placed at the top.

For those without experience, focus on achievements from school or personal projects to create an objective for your resume.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Read more: Best Ways to Describe Yourself

7. Write a Cover Letter for Your Lifeguard Resume

In today's job market, a cover letter remains essential. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the specific position and company. Many candidates overlook this step, but a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from others.

Create your cover letter like this:

• Follow a professional cover letter structure with a matching header and a formal closing.
• Format your cover letter by making it 3–5 paragraphs long and no longer than a page.
• Start your cover letter by mentioning the job title and include an engaging opening.
• Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your skills and suggests a meeting to discuss further.
• Send a follow-up email weekly for a month, keeping it brief and attaching your resume and cover letter PDFs.

Read more: Cover Letter Tips

Remember, each application is a step toward your dream job. Keep your lifeguard resume updated and tailored, and you'll be well on your way to success. Thank you for reading, and feel free to leave any questions about your lifeguard resume in the comments below.

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

Sources

• Lifeguard Demographics in the United States
• Redcross: The Professional Lifeguard Manual