Lifeguard Resume and Cover Letter Samples

Lifeguard looking at the ocean
Dougal Waters / The Image Bank / Getty Images
By Alison Doyle
Updated on 08/05/21

Are you applying for jobs as a lifeguard? Lifeguard jobs appeal to workers who love the water, want to help others, and enjoy spending time outside or at an aquatic center.

But simply loving to swim isn’t enough to land this job. To impress the hiring manager, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have the required skills and certifications for the role.

Learn how to write a lifeguard resume and cover letter to maximize your chances of getting hired.

Tips for Writing a Lifeguard Resume and Cover Letter

When writing a lifeguard resume and cover letter, remember to:

Highlight certifications. Each state has its own requirements for lifeguard certifications and training. Typically, these will include water safety, lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR instruction. Employers will usually list these, as well as their own preferences, in the job ad. Make sure you emphasize your credentials in resumes, cover letters, and job interviews.

Remember soft skills. A big part of being a lifeguard is helping and managing people. In addition to having the required certifications, lifeguards must have soft skills like communication and conflict resolution. Include these essential people skills in your application.

Read the job advertisement carefully. Take the time to match your resume and letter to the job description. The closer the fit, the better your chances of getting selected for an interview.

Use sample resumes and cover letters. These resume and cover letter examples can help you get ideas for your own application materials. Be sure to customize your documents before you send them.

Sample Lifeguard Resume

The following is a resume for a summer lifeguard position (as opposed to a more advanced position, such as head lifeguard at an aquatics center). Since the job seeker is a student with limited work experience, they have included volunteer experiences and leadership positions in high school sports and extracurricular activities. This resume includes sections on education, experience, and related certifications.

Download the lifeguard resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a lifeguard resume sample

Sample Lifeguard Resume (Text Only)

Seth Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, NJ 12345
555-555-5555
seth.applicant@email.com

EDUCATION

LONGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, Middletown, NJ, (Expected May 2022)
Overall GPA: 3.67, Honors each semester

RELATED EXPERIENCE

LONGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL HONOR SOCIETY, Middletown, NJ
SENIOR MEMBER (Jan. 2019-present)

  • Organize bi-weekly reading circle with members of local senior citizen center.
  • Sell baked goods to faculty and students for annual Honors Society fundraiser.

EAST MIDDLETOWN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM, Middletown, NJ
VOLUNTEER (Fall 2020-Present)

  •  Design and instruct a weekly arts and crafts activity for children ages 8-12.
  • Organize athletic activities including basketball and softball tournaments for children ages 8-15.
  • Greet parents at the end of each day, discussing children’s behavior and accomplishments.

LONGWOOD HIGH SCHOOL WATER POLO TEAM, Middletown, NJ

TEAM CAPTAIN (Spring 2019-present)

  •  Lead warm-ups and practice games during annual tryouts
  • Organize monthly clinic for players to improve specific skills

 ACTIVITIES

Saxophone Player, Longwood High School Wind Ensemble, Fall 2019-Present

Teammate, Longwood High School Lacrosse Team, Spring 2019-Spring 2020

CERTIFICATIONS

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, December 2020

First Aid Certification, September 2021

CPR with AED Certification, September 2021

Lifeguard Cover Letter Example

Here's an example of an email cover letter for a summer job as a lifeguard. Be sure to include your contact information in your signature, so it's easy for the employer to get in touch with you to schedule an interview.

Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Lifeguard letter example

Lifeguard Cover Letter Example (Email Version)

Subject: Lifeguard Position - Seth Applicant

Dear Mr. Lee,

Please accept my enthusiastic application for the lifeguard position at the Middletown Town Pool. As soon as I read the description of the position on HotSummerJobs.com, I knew I was an ideal candidate for the position. You state in the job posting that you require a lifeguard with experience working with children.

For nearly three years, I have volunteered at the East Middletown after-school program. In this position, I have gained experience working with children ages five to fifteen. I have designed and led arts and crafts activities, organized athletic competitions, and helped children complete their homework. I am both a leader and a friend to these children; this experience will make me a strong swimming instructor for children at the pool.

You also state that the lifeguard position requires extensive swimming experience. I have played on my school’s water polo team for four years and was promoted to team captain this year. I often lead clinics to improve my teammates’ swimming skills; this has been excellent practice for becoming a swimming instructor. I also received Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, so I am well aware of current safety procedures.

I am passionate about teaching children proper swimming techniques and keeping the town pool safe for the public. I have attached my resume, and will call next week to see if we can arrange a time to discuss the position together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Seth Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, NJ 12345
555-555-5555
seth.applicant@email.com

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