Aquatics Lifeguard

How do you keep yourself focused scanning the water for a long shift when nothing is happening?

What they are checking: Whether they have real habits for staying alert, since most drownings happen during the boring stretches.

Tell me about a time you had to stay calm when something went wrong around you.

What they are checking: Evidence of steadiness under pressure, which matters more for this role than anything they say about swimming.

What would you do with your time on the deck between rotations to keep the area safe and clean?

What they are checking: Whether they take ownership of pool deck cleanliness and hazards, not just the time spent sitting in the chair.

A teenager keeps running on the pool deck after you've told him twice to walk. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can enforce rules firmly and calmly with members and families without escalating into a scene.

The water slide has a line and kids are going down before the previous rider is clear. How do you manage it?

What they are checking: Whether they can control the pace of a busy attraction, which the posting specifically asks lifeguards to keep safe.

A parent is on their phone while their young child is playing at the edge of the recreational pool. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up to a member politely when a child is at risk instead of assuming the parent is watching.

A member walks up to your chair to ask about swim lessons while you're on guard duty. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: Whether they keep their eyes on the water while still being friendly, and know when to redirect questions.

You're on the stand and notice a kid in the deep end who isn't yelling but is bobbing with their head tilted back. What's happening and what do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize the quiet signs of active drowning instead of waiting for the splashing seen in movies.

Walk me through what you'd do if you pulled an unresponsive adult out of the lap pool.

What they are checking: Whether they know their BLS CPR and first aid steps and how to activate the rest of the team quickly.

What certifications do you have right now, and how do you feel about bridging to StarGuard Elite in your first year?

What they are checking: Whether their certifications are current and they're willing to complete the club's required training on time.