How to Write a Lifeguard CV: A Simple Guide to Get You Started

Ready to dive into a role that ensures safety, builds trust and fosters community? Lifeguards are essential in diverse settings across the UK, from hospitality and sports to personal training and teaching.

This role is ideal for individuals with peak fitness, quick decision-making skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Lifeguards are responsible for preventing accidents and creating a safe and welcoming environment—requiring a unique blend of soft skills, formal training and physical ability.

In this highly competitive field, a standout CV is key to success. In this guide, you will find extensive tips on how to write a good CV that will make a splash with employers, and create a simple CV compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS).

In this article, we cover:

• What to include in a lifeguard CV.

• A lifeguard CV example UK.

• How to create a lifeguard CV in five steps.

• Work experience and personal profile examples for various lifeguard positions.

• Next steps for your lifeguard application.

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Lifeguard CV example 

Download this Lifeguard CV PDF.

In this lifeguard CV template, Sam has utilised space and clarity to maximum effect with the Hopkins template. They immediately draws the eye to their key skills and personal profile while leaving plenty of room for a full work history certifications and additional information.

Do you also need a cover letter for your application? Check out our short cover letter example and writing guide!

What to include in a lifeguard CV in the UK?

Before jumping in at the deep end with your application, start the CV writing process by creating a master CV. This all-inclusive document contains your complete skills, qualifications, work history, volunteer experience and additional training. This won’t be sent out to employers but can be refined when creating job-specific applications later on.

Take the time to adapt and refine your application accordingly. A modern CV for a lifeguard in the UK should include the following:

• Personal details: Include your full name, address or location (city and state), professional contact details such as an email address and up-to-date telephone number.

• Personal profile: Write a concise summary showcasing your lifeguarding experience, weave in key soft skills like vigilance and emergency response, and your dedication to safety protocols.

• Work experience: List roles in reverse chronological order, emphasising your responsibilities (e.g., monitoring swimmer safety) and achievements, such as successful rescues or first aid delivery.

• Education: Include relevant qualifications like high school diplomas and certifications such as CPR, First Aid, or Lifeguard Training.

• Training: Highlight additional training, such as water rescue techniques, AED certification, or advanced swimming courses.

• References: Provide references on request, or mention a supervisor or instructor who can vouch for your skills and professionalism.

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How to write a lifeguard CV: 5 steps with examples

1. How to add lifeguard skills on a CV

Lifeguards need physical, technical and interpersonal skills on their CV. From performing rescues to reassuring those in distress, these aptitudes are vital to maintaining safety. It is important employers see your core abilities right away and know that you can handle emergency situations.

• Make a list of the skills in the job description and integrate them across your document.

• In-demand soft skills like communication and teamwork are best woven into your work experience entries.

• For hard skills like first aid and water rescue techniques, create a separate section titled ‘Skills’.

• Hard skills can also be integrated into your personal profile as shown in step two.

• Use this method effectively to highlight strengths in your CV whilst showcasing the must-have skills of a professional lifeguard.

Five essential lifeguard CV skills:

1. Physical fitness: Lifeguards need exceptional stamina, strength, and swimming proficiency to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies.

2. Observation and vigilance: Sharp attention to detail helps lifeguards spot potential hazards and take preventive action.

3. Rescue techniques: Expertise in water rescue and lifesaving methods is critical for handling a range of emergencies.

4. First aid and CPR: Knowing how to provide immediate medical care can make the difference between life and death.

5. Communication: Clear and calm communication is essential for giving instructions, offering reassurance, and coordinating with team members.

Don't know where to start? Dive into our CV writing guide with examples for your first CV.

2. How to write a personal profile for a lifeguard CV

Like other roles with an increased level of responsibility such as cabin crew or physiotherapist, your professional summary is where you build trust in your professional offer, dedication to the role and suitability for the position.

Writing a strong CV personal profile gives a glimpse into your professional identity, motivations and the skills and qualifications that define you. Use this section to underscore key soft skills like reliability and empathy whilst drawing the employer's attention to must-have hard skills and professional certifications.

Are you looking for a student job to earn some cash? Consider applying for a lifeguard that allows flexibility and can be a fun distraction from your studies!

3. How to include practical work experience

Whether you are applying for a part-time, apprentice or senior lifeguard position, clearly outlining your practical work experience on a CV is essential. If you are applying for a job in pools, open water settings or both, showcasing a full work history and commitment to lifeguarding will set you apart and show you are a strong applicant.

Three tips for effectively showcasing your previous work history:

1. Use this section to highlight key responsibilities, soft skills and quantifiable results that demonstrate your readiness for the role and knowledge of water safety.

2. Format each entry with a concise paragraph summarising your duties, followed by bullet points showcasing achievements.

3. Incorporate action verbs in a CV to convey proactivity and make your experience more compelling.

Here's how to format the work experience section:

• Start with a short paragraph summarising your role, duties and the skills you applied.

• Follow with three bullet points highlighting quantifiable achievements.

• Use action verbs to begin each statement, emphasising your proactive contributions.

• Tailor each entry to the skills and experiences most relevant to the lifeguard position.

Examples of work experience for a lifeguard CV

Part-time lifeguard | Community Leisure Centre, Sawtry | 2023 – Present

Supervised swimming pool activities and the pool area, ensuring safety protocols were followed and providing a welcoming environment for guests. Conducted daily inspections of safety equipment and pool facilities, maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations. Delivered first aid and emergency response services as needed while upholding professional standards of care.

• Responded to three emergencies, administering first aid and ensuring positive outcomes.

• Conducted daily equipment checks, reducing maintenance issues by 15%.

• Assisted in training new team members, improving onboarding efficiency by 20%.

Apprentice beach lifeguard | Splash Landing Beach Park, Scarborough | 2022 – 2023

Supported senior lifeguards in monitoring pool and beach areas, learning advanced rescue techniques and safety protocols. Participated in structured training sessions to develop expertise in CPR, first aid and customer engagement. Assisted in routine maintenance and public safety initiatives.

• Completed 150+ hours of supervised lifeguarding, ensuring the safety of over 1,000 visitors.

• Achieved NPLQ certification within three months, demonstrating rapid skill development.

• Supported community swim events, contributing to a 25% increase in attendance.

Senior lifeguard | Pisinda Pool, Manchester | 2020 – 2022

Led a team of lifeguards to ensure the safety and smooth operation of pool facilities. Oversaw training programs, coordinated team schedules and enforced safety policies. Provided immediate responses to emergencies, reducing risks and maintaining high safety standards.

• Reduced incident response times by 25% through enhanced team training initiatives.

• Supervised a team of 10 lifeguards, achieving a 95% safety compliance rate.

• Introduced a guest engagement program, increasing customer satisfaction by 15%.

Lifeguard with little to no experience

The role of lifeguard is also open to those with little to no experience. If you are a school leaver or student looking to gain your first experience, try volunteering at your local leisure centre or becoming a leisure team member. Consider helping out at watersports summer camp to help you gain the fundamental skills and experiences.

Leisure team member | Water Good Time, Sheringham | 2018 – 2020

Assisted with facility operations, including poolside supervision, customer service and equipment maintenance. Collaborated with team members to deliver high-quality leisure experiences and uphold safety standards. Supported recreational events and fitness programs to encourage community participation.

• Maintained gym and pool equipment, reducing downtime by 10%.

• Facilitated 50+ group fitness classes, boosting member attendance by 20%.

• Resolved customer inquiries promptly, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.

4. How to include education on a lifeguard CV

Including your education on a CV is crucial to show you meet the basic academic requirements and any additional qualifications relevant to the role.

While the minimum education level is typically five GCSEs including Maths and English, additional training, such as apprenticeships or college courses in sports science or health and social care, can strengthen your application.

Highlighting these details demonstrates your commitment to learning and readiness for the responsibilities of the position.

How to format the education section

1. Apprenticeship:

Level 2 Leisure Team Member Apprenticeship, Creative Sport and Leisure, London, UK, 2024

2. College diploma:

Diploma in Sport, South Bank Colleges, 2022

3. A-levels:

City Sixth Form College | Birmingham, 2019

Sport Science: B; Food Technology: B; Biology: A; Computer Science: C

4. GCSEs qualifications:

Floriat College | Attleborough, 2022

Maths: Grade 4 (C); English: Grade 5 (B); Combined Science: Grade 4 (C); Computer Science: Grade 4 (C); English Language: Grade 6 (B)

5. National 5 certificates (Scotland):

Lennox School | Glasgow, 2022

Scottish N5s: English C (4), Maths C (4), History B (6), Chemistry B (5), Art & Design C (4), Computing Science B (6) - GCSE level equivalent in brackets.

5. How to add additional relevant information

a. Courses and certificates on a lifeguard CV

Lifeguards must demonstrate they have the essential qualifications, training, and security clearances to work safely and professionally with the public. Including a dedicated courses and certificates section on your CV ensures employers can quickly see you meet these critical requirements.

To work as a lifeguard in the UK, you need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which verifies your suitability to work with children and vulnerable individuals. This should be listed on your CV, alongside any relevant lifeguard qualifications.

Key lifeguarding certifications to include are:

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) – A mandatory qualification for pool lifeguards, covering water rescue, CPR and first aid.

• Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) – Essential for lifeguards working in non-tidal open water environments.

• National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) – Required for those operating in coastal and tidal environments.

• First Aid at Work Certification – Proof of competency in providing first aid in emergencies.

• Safeguarding Training – Demonstrates knowledge of child protection and working responsibly with vulnerable groups.

Displaying these qualifications prominently ensures your readiness for the role and reinforces your professionalism and reliability. If you have any additional, role-specific certifications, such as advanced first aid or defibrillator training, be sure to list these as well.

Examples of how to format your certifications

Open Water Lifeguard (OWL), Royal Lifesaving Society, 2023

First Aid at Work Certification, British Red Cross, 2022

b. References on a lifeguard CV

As with other jobs such as healthcare professional and caregiver, providing trusted references is essential to securing your next position. Employers rely on references to verify your skills, experience and reliability, making this a crucial part of your CV.

If space permits, format your references as shown below to give potential employers quick access to your professional contacts. Alternatively, if space is limited, include a simple statement such as “References available upon request”.

Reference format:

Jane Smith

Head Lifeguard, Seaside Aquatic Centre

Phone: +44 123 456 789

Email: [email protected]

Key takeaways

This guide shows you how to write a good CV for a lifeguard job that emphasises your relevant skills, experience, and achievements. Consider completing relevant certifications or training to position yourself as a strong applicant. For more inspiration, read our article on how to improve your CV with expert tips and examples.

Dos:

1. Highlight relevant certifications: Include essential qualifications like the NPLQ, OWL or NVBLQ prominently in a dedicated section, alongside your DBS check and any additional first aid or safeguarding training.

2. Use action verbs: Start work experience entries with impactful verbs like "supervised," "responded" or "implemented" to emphasise your proactive contributions and achievements.

3. Quantify your achievements: Where possible, add metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as "reduced response times by 20%" or "trained five new team members."

4. Tailor your CV to the role: Adapt your skills and experience to match the job description, focusing on specific skills or experience in pool, open water or beach environments as required.

5. Keep it concise and well-structured: Ensure your CV is easy to read, with clear sections for personal profile, skills, work experience, education and certifications.

Dont's:

1. Overlook soft skills: Employers value teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Make sure these are evident in your profile and work experience.

2. Skip over additional training: Highlight any extra training or courses, such as advanced first aid or defibrillator use, to showcase your dedication to professional development.

3. Exaggerate experience or skills: Stick to accurate descriptions of your abilities and responsibilities, as these may be tested during interviews or in assessments.

4. Forget formatting: Avoid cluttered designs. Use a professional format with clear headings, bullet points, and consistent font sizes for readability.

5. Ignore ATS compatibility: Ensure your CV is compatible with applicant tracking systems by avoiding images, fancy formatting or excessive jargon. Keep the layout clean and text-focused.

Next steps?

Give your CV the introduction it deserves. Explore our cover letter templates and get step-by-step guidance on how to write a winning cover letter, especially if you’re sending your CV via email. Leave nothing to chance and connect with our professional CV Writing Service for an expert seal of approval. Then check out our top tips for tracking your job applications. 

FAQs

How do I become a lifeguard?

If you are applying for lifeguard jobs, you might need to complete a recognised lifeguard qualification, such as the NPLQ for pools or the NVBLQ for beaches. You must be at least 16-years-old, have strong swimming skills and pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to work with the public.

What is a lifeguard salary in the UK?

The average lifeguard salary in the UK ranges from £9.50 to £12.50 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications and location. Senior lifeguards or those in specialised roles may earn more.

What are the key responsibilities of a lifeguard?

Lifeguards supervise aquatic environments, prevent accidents and respond to emergencies. They perform rescues, provide first aid, enforce safety rules and ensure facilities are clean and secure, creating a safe environment for visitors. Hiring managers want to see that you can manage these key responsibilities when you write your CV.

How do I write a lifeguard CV with no experience?

Highlight transferable skills like teamwork, communication and reliability. Include relevant training, such as lifesaving courses or first aid certification. Mention any volunteering or customer service roles and focus on your commitment to learning and maintaining safety standards. Take advantage of seasonal work opportunities in the UK to get more experience in this area.