As a lifeguard, you are required to be observant of your surroundings. Can you tell me of a time when you have spotted a hazard or prevented an accident?
"While lifeguarding this summer, I noticed a child who was looking around the pool. He wasn't making a scene, but he appeared worried. I approached the child, and he told me that he couldn't see his mom. I asked him to come out of the pool and stand at the lifeguard station with me. I asked our admin to announce over the PA so he could be reconnected with his parent. Although the child was technically not lost and wasn't panicking, I am happy that I noticed the concern on his face before panic set in."
The purpose of this question is to identify if you possess the observation skills required to be a successful lifeguard. The interviewer would like for you to confirm a time when you have detected a hazard and prevented an accident due to your keen observation. Your example can come from work or a personal setting. Be sure to tell the story, with a focus on the positive outcome.
"Just last week, I was getting on a bus, when the lady ahead of me got the belt of her coat stuck in the door. I tapped her on the shoulder to let her know, as I was worried if she went any further she may end up getting hurt or stuck. She was appreciative that I noticed and told her. I am not one for keeping my face in my phone in public situations, and do consider myself to be observant on and off the job."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My colleague and I handled a group of divers in a dive safari. Our last dive was strong current, and I noticed that she was struggling with her finning. I could see in her eyes that she needed help.
I went to her and made a hand signal to ask if she was okay. She responded that she was not okay. I gave my colleague a hand signal that I would take her to the surface, and he will continue diving with the rest of the group. I didn't waste any time and took her to the clinic. She had decompression sickness.
I am happy that I saved my diver's life before anything really bad happened.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good example; however, try to keep your response a bit more organized so as to not confuse the interviewer.
"Recently, my colleague and I handled a group of divers in a dive safari. The current was strong on our last dive, and I could see that one of the divers was struggling. I signaled to see if she was okay and she did not respond with a positive signal. I gave my colleague a hand signal, letting him know I was going to be taking this particular diver to the surface. Once on land, I took her to the clinic as she was showing signs of decompression sickness. Had I not been as attentive, the event could have been very dangerous or even fatal."
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