How to Answer: 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?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Lifeguard job interview.
7. 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?
How to Answer
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.
1st Answer Example
"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."
2nd Answer Example
"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."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
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