Lifeguard Interview Questions & Answers


Lifeguards work at swimming pools, beaches and inland waterways to keep swimmers safe. As a lifeguard you would observe and supervise swimming areas to prevent accidents. You would make swimmers aware of dangerous situations, and in an emergency you would carry out a rescue procedure.

Whether you're a job seeker preparing to be interviewed for the role of Lifeguard or an employer preparing to interview candidates for Lifeguard position, these Lifeguard interview questions will help you prepare yourself for the job interview session.

Lifeguard Interview Questions

Below are a list of some skill-based Lifeguard interview questions.

  1. Why did you choose to become a lifeguard?
  2. What certifications do you hold for lifeguarding and CPR? How frequently do you renew them?
  3. How would you handle a situation where a swimmer is in distress and needs assistance?
  4. How do you stay vigilant and focused during long periods of surveillance on the pool deck?
  5. Can you describe your experience in enforcing pool rules and maintaining a safe environment for swimmers?
  6. How do you handle conflicts or difficult situations with pool patrons or colleagues?
  7. Have you ever performed a successful water rescue? Can you share the details of the incident and how you handled it?
  8. How do you keep up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and practices in lifeguarding?
  9. How would you handle a medical emergency, such as a swimmer experiencing a seizure or cardiac arrest?
  10. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to act quickly and make a split-second decision as a lifeguard? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
  11. Imagine you are on duty at a crowded pool, and you notice a young child struggling to stay afloat in the deep end. How would you prioritize your actions to ensure their safety?
  12. You are monitoring a lap swimming session, and you notice a swimmer displaying signs of fatigue and struggling to complete the laps. How would you approach this situation and ensure the swimmer's safety?
  13. During a busy day at the beach, you notice a group of beachgoers entering a restricted area where swimming is prohibited due to dangerous currents. How would you handle this situation to prevent any potential accidents?
  14. While on duty at a water park, you encounter a group of teenagers engaging in unsafe behavior on a water slide. How would you address the situation and enforce the park's safety rules?
  15. Imagine you are conducting a swimming lesson for a group of young children, and one of them becomes panicked and starts thrashing in the water. How would you respond to ensure the child's safety and calm their fears?
  16. During a storm, lightning is detected nearby, and you need to evacuate the pool area. How would you efficiently and effectively manage the evacuation process and ensure the safety of all pool users?
  17. You notice an elderly swimmer struggling to get out of the pool after completing their swim. How would you assist them in a manner that respects their dignity and ensures their safety?

Lifeguard Interview Questions and Answers

Every interview is different and the questions may vary. However, there are lots of general questions that get asked at every interview.

Below are some common questions you'd expect during Lifeguard interviews. Click on each question to see how to answer them.

  1. What is Your Salary Expectation?
  2. Tell Me About Yourself
  3. Are You a Leader or a Follower?
  4. Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current Job?
  5. What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?
  6. What is Your Greatest Strength?
  7. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
  8. Why Should We Hire You?
  9. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
  10. Why Do You Want This Job?