How to Build Your Resume While Lifeguarding

Lifeguarding is more than just a summer gig—it’s a great way to beef up your resume! Here’s how you can make your lifeguarding experience shine:

1. Highlight Key Skills

Leadership: You’re responsible for pool safety, which shows you can make quick, smart decisions.
Communication: You give clear instructions and handle issues with swimmers and parents, showing you’ve got strong communication skills.
Teamwork: Lifeguarding is all about working well with others to keep things running smoothly.
Crisis Management: Handling emergencies calmly proves you can think on your feet.

2. Emphasize Responsibility

Safety: Keeping the pool safe shows you’re trustworthy and responsible.
Accountability: Managing equipment and ensuring everything’s in order highlights your reliability.

3. Showcase Certifications

Certifications: Include your CPR, First Aid, and lifeguard training to show you’re well-prepared and dedicated.

4. Detail Your Experience

Achievements: Mention specific times you made a difference, like preventing accidents or improving safety.
Customer Service: Highlight how you helped guests and resolved conflicts.

5. Use Strong Action Words

Powerful Verbs: Use words like “led,” “managed,” or “enforced” to make your resume pop.

6. Relate Skills to Future Goals

Connect the Dots: Link your lifeguarding skills to your future goals—like how CPR training relates to healthcare or how leading a team could help in any leadership role.

Sample Resume Section

Here’s an example of how you can list your lifeguarding experience on your resume:

Lifeguard
Community Pool, Summer 2024

Led safety protocols and managed daily operations for a busy public pool, ensuring the safety of over 200 swimmers daily.
Communicated effectively with guests, providing clear instructions and resolving conflicts to enhance customer satisfaction.
Collaborated with a team of lifeguards to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment.
Managed emergency situations, including performing CPR and First Aid, demonstrating calmness under pressure.
Maintained pool equipment and facilities, ensuring a clean and safe environment for all patrons.
Certified in CPR, First Aid, and lifeguarding, continuously updating skills to meet safety standards.

This format highlights your skills and achievements, making your lifeguarding experience stand out to future employers or colleges!