A proficient lifeguard has several essential qualities that make them successful. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's understanding of the critical skills and characteristics that create an excellent lifeguard. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the position
• Ability to identify critical characteristics of a proficient lifeguard
• Interest in continuing to improve and develop their skills

A lifeguard may work long hours depending on your facility and spend time in the heat and sun. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to remain focused and aware even when they're feeling tired. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to judge when they're tired or unfocused and take immediate action to boost their energy
• Healthy self-care practises while at work, including proper hydration and snacks
• Understanding the importance of alertness when on the job

A proficient lifeguard keeps specific tools throughout their shift to manage the patrons and use them in emergency situations. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's list of tools and resources they rely on for their position. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the tools and resources required to be a proficient lifeguard
• Ability to adapt to any potential situation
• Interest in using tools and resources to make them more effective in their position

A lifeguard needs to manage the patrons effectively who are using the facility while maintaining order and safety. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to manage people and ensure that the patrons follow the rules. What to look for in an answer:

• Communication skills to relate with others and discuss rules and conditions
• Interest in maintaining a safe environment at all times
• Ability to enforce the rules of the facility respectfully

In Canada, a lifeguard must have formal training and receive a National Lifeguard certificate from Lifesaving Society. The goal of the question is to determine if the candidate has the necessary qualifications to be a lifeguard in Canada legally. What to look for in an answer:

• Completion of the National Lifeguard certification from Lifesaving Society
• Current Standard First Aid certification
• Understanding of the qualifications required to be a lifeguard

A lifeguard goes through extensive training and needs to apply their knowledge and skills in their position to be successful. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to implement what they've learned to benefit their job. What to look for in an answer:

• Completion of national required training and certification
• Ability to implement their knowledge into their position to be prepared for any situation
• Confidence in their knowledge and skills

A proficient lifeguard needs to monitor the safety of many swimmers, including special needs and children. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's level of experience supervising children in the water. What to look for in an answer:

• Solid foundational knowledge of monitoring children in and around water
• Ability to adapt first-aid and life-saving skills for children
• Level of experience supervising children in the water, based on the company's requirements

A lifeguard has the skills and knowledge to save someone from drowning or water injury while also being confident to take action and implement their skills. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's experience with lifesaving and successfully perform the skills they have in a real-life situation. What to look for in an answer:

• Solid foundational lifesaving and first-aid knowledge and skills
• Ability to apply what they've learned in real-life
• Enthusiastic about providing service and care to all individuals

A lifeguard must monitor and manage all guests at a water setting, where beach, pool, or lakefront. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to handle a problematic situation while remaining respectful and courteous. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to handle conflict effectively without escalating the situation
• Communication and interpersonal skills to relate to a variety of people
• Adaptability to adjust their vocabulary and demeanour to the situation

A lifeguard must provide a safe water environment in and around the vicinity they are patrolling. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's understanding of the required safety checks necessary during every shift. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to follow facility policies and procedures at all times
• Interest in providing a safe water environment for staff and patrons
• organisational, time-management, and prioritization skills to manage all required duties

A lifeguard must be comfortable working alone and in a team. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's attitude about teamwork as a lifeguard, as both situations are common. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to work independently or with a team environment
• Confidence in their skills and abilities to work independently
• Ability to adapt to different work situations

A lifeguard must maintain the safety and security of all pool users. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to enforce facility rules without escalating the issue unless absolutely necessary. What to look for in an answer:

• A clear understanding of the facility rules and standards for guest behaviour and safety
• Ability to resolve a conflict independently with a calm attitude and respect
• Communication and interpersonal skills to relate with other people successfully

Depending on your facility, an experienced lifeguard may need to supervise and direct other less experienced colleagues. The goal of the question is to assess the candidate's supervisor skills in providing guidance and direction to other coworkers. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience in supervisory other less experienced lifeguards
• Interest in being a role model and leading by example
• Ability to build and develop positive work relationships

A proficient lifeguard understands that the job takes dedication, awareness, strength, and resourcefulness. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's perception of being a lifeguard. What to look for in an answer:

• Awareness of the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the position
• Accepting the responsibility for the critical role they have in water safety
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude about the position

A successful candidate must understand the full scope of the position and what to expect if they're working at your facility. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's motivation in applying for the job. Their response also shows what research they did in preparation for the interview. What to look for in an answer:

• Understanding of the full scope of duties and responsibilities of the position
• Interest in understanding the facility, work environment, and company culture
• An enthusiastic and positive attitude about the company and job