Ready to take the next step in your lifeguard career? Before you start looking for jobs, you’ll need a resume that shines a spotlight on all your best qualities. If you’re unsure of how to approach the resume-writing process, never fear. In this article, we’ll give you some tips for writing a top-notch lifeguard resume and provide an example to guide you through the process.
Writing a resume isn’t always easy, especially if it’s your first time. If you need a little help getting started, it might be helpful to see how the experts do it. In the following paragraphs, we’ll provide a few helpful tips and explain how to format a resume correctly. We’ll also show you an example to guide your writing. With a little help, you’ll be on your way in no time at all!
Ready to start writing? Get your computer and fire up a word-processing program that allows you to format your resume correctly. If you’re wondering how to do this, take a look at the resume example included below.
Start your document by creating a header at the top of the page. Include your name, phone number, email address, and location. This is a good way to get your name in front of recruiters and give them easy access to your contact details if they want to invite you in for an interview.
Then, create a summary (also known as a qualifications profile) that outlines your key skills, giving hiring managers a snapshot of what makes you stand out from the competition.
As with other resumes, the main body of your document will include your current and past professional experience. Create a heading for each of your jobs, starting with the one you currently have or your most recent position. In each heading, list the name of the company, the name of your position, your start and end dates, and the company’s location. Underneath the heading, you can briefly describe the role and its responsibilities in a short paragraph and follow it with a bulleted list that includes a few accomplishments or key contributions.
If this is your first lifeguard job, you may not have much to put in the experience section. If that’s the case, you can focus on your qualifications, including your skills, credentials, education, and relevant volunteer work.
If you’ve been a lifeguard for a while, you have a range of skills that make you a competitive candidate. When writing your resume, it’s important to highlight these competencies in a separate section. This allows the recruiter to skim your resume quickly and identify your strengths. Here are some skills that you can include:
Swimming instruction for students of various ages
CPR certification
Physical fitness
Strong swimming skills
Safety consciousness
Team leadership
Customer service
First aid certification
Pool and facility maintenance
Reporting and documentation
Summary example
Adventurous, personable, and knowledgeable emerging professional with proven success as a Lifeguard.
Swim Instruction: History of leading high-energy, engaging swim-related activities designed to meet interests of diverse groups. Accomplished trainer with experience leading individual and small group swim instruction for students of all ages.
Communication & Service: Engaging leader, presenter, and educator with ability to direct small to large groups in various environments and conditions. Readily adapt to changing situations and operational requirements in interest of promoting positive customer experience.
Key Strengths: Known for prioritizing safety; First Aid and CPR certified. Valued for enthusiasm in taking on challenging tasks and responsibilities. Adept in documentation and reporting.
Employment history example
Lead Swim Instructor / Lifeguard at Apple Montessori School, Kinnelon
2020 - Present
Apply knowledge of exercise science, physiology, and kinesiology as well as human development in preparing and delivering swimming lessons for children ages two through 12. Prepare class schedules and manage administrative needs. Resolve problems; interface frequently with parents regarding children’s progress; diplomatically address issues. Facilitate lifeguard meetings and training, ensuring adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements. Record pool readings and chemical use; conduct weekly lifeguard safety drills.
Supervised six lifeguards and swim teachers and delegated class assignments.
Assistant Pool Manager at ABC National Golf Club, Bedminster
2018 - 2020
Supervised all aspects of pool use, including lifeguards and swimmers, ensuring adherence to safety policies and procedures; managed opening / closing activities. Developed weekly lifeguard schedules and assigned lifeguards to teach classes. Created lessons and instructed children’s swimming classes; oversaw camp activities. Managed technical aspects involved in proper water conditioning. Ensured pool cleanliness; provided excellent customer service to club members; trained and coached new lifeguards.
Developed and implemented improved procedures to foster stronger lifeguard / member relationships, involving more personalized interactions.
Worked cross-functionally, assisting waiters working pool deck to ensure member satisfaction during high-volume periods.
Lifeguard at Paramount Country Club
2015 - 2018
Supervised pool activities to ensure safety and satisfaction of patrons. Monitored pool area; enforced rules and policies with authority and respect. Addressed patron questions. Assisted management in pool and facility management, including vacuuming/skimming pool and replacing filters.
Education example
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at The Pennsylvania State University
Skills example
Communication Skills
Physical Fitness
CPR and First Aid Certified
Swimming Techniques