Becoming a Lifeguard

The Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross programs are the first step to becoming a lifeguard. This information package has useful information to prepare you for exactly what to expect when enrolled in these courses.

Knowing how to assist others in a medical emergency is a life skill that everyone should have. Through the Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid programs you’ll learn many skills that can be used in your day to day life in the event of an emergency. This information package has useful information to prepare you for exactly what to expect when enrolled in this course.

Have you ever thought about becoming a lifeguard? The National Lifeguard program will get you there! The program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and communication in the prevention of accidents and in first aid treatment of medical emergencies. This information package has useful information to prepare you for exactly what to expect when enrolled in this course.

The Wet Interview is the first step in our hiring process. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a wide variety of skills from applicable aquatic leadership courses (ex. National Lifeguard and Red Cross Water Safety Instructor).

The Wet Interview can evaluate: emergency situations, resuscitation skills, spinal management, instructional skills and a water safety skill or activity. You will also be required to do the National Lifeguard time swim which is 16 lengths in 10 minutes as well as the National Lifeguard under water swim which is 15m.

Applicants must be prepared to perform any or all of the items listed above as well as additional skills. Candidates who cannot perform these skills will not proceed to the next steps in recruitment.

The Interview

• Interviews typically last 3-4 hours.
• You will be asked to come prepared with your swimsuit, whistle, and current qualifications.
• The interview is an opportunity for you to showcase your knowledge, judgement and response to emergency situations.
• The interview will take place in small groups and stations.

Tips to Help Prepare For Your Wet Interview

• Ensure you check your email regularly for communication about your interview.
• Confirmation of attendance prior to the stated deadline is required in order to participate.
• Practice your physical skills regularly for optimal performance.
• Review aquatic leadership course information.
• Arrive on time (or early) so that you have time to check in and prepare yourself before the interview begins.
• Be confident in the skills you have learned and developed throughout your aquatic leadership courses.

When you successfully pass your wet interview you will be invited to a dry interview.

The dry interview gives you the opportunity to share your strengths and accomplishments with us.

We already know that you have your aquatic qualifications, so be prepared to tell us how you are involved in your school and your community, and we look forward to hearing about the extracurricular activities you are involved in.

Tips to Help Prepare For Your Dry Interview

• Prepare for Interview Questions
  • Review the job posting. Many of the questions asked will be directly related to the skills, knowledge & experiences required in the job posting.
  • Prepare some examples of times you employed these skills successfully, which led to a positive outcome.
  • Prepare for a variety of questions and answers.
• Make Yourself Comfortable During the Interview – For some of you this might be your first interview and it is normal to be nervous. Take a deep breath and try to relax once you enter the room and get seated. Most interviews are about 20 minutes in length.
• Be Yourself – We want to capture everything you say so please know that some of us will be writing while you are speaking. We are still listening so please tell us all about yourself. Share job experiences, school achievements, clubs or sports and what you are involved with outside of school.
  • When answering questions, it is critical to give as much relevant detail as possible. This is your best chance to highlight your skills, knowledge and contributions, so be sure to take advantage of it.
  • Take your time, consider the question & gather your thoughts before answering.
  • Do not hesitate to ask for clarification. The goal of the interview is to learn as much about you as possible. If you don’t understand the question, or would like to hear it again, just ask.