Being a lifeguard may seem like a glamorous job, but guarding lives is serious business. Whether you’re looking for a summer job or a more permanent position, you need a lifeguard cover letter that helps you float to the top of the applicant pool.
What differentiates you from other candidates? Your cover letter gives you an excellent opportunity to answer that question for the hiring manager. Resume.io is here for you with resources such as our cover letter examples and cover letter templates. This guide and corresponding lifeguard cover letter example will help you:
Let’s dive in.
The format of your lifeguard cover letter provides a framework for making your case for employment. Before you begin writing, it’s important to know what sections you need to include.
The format of a lifeguard cover letter should contain the following elements:
Our comprehensive cover letter guide gives an overview on creating this application document, but the guide below offers more pointed advice for developing a cover letter specifically for lifeguards.
Do I need a cover letter?
In this age of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), do you really need a cover letter? Do hiring managers even read them?
Yes and maybe. Yes, you should always write a lifeguard cover letter because making the extra effort can also make the difference between getting the interview and not. We can’t guarantee that your letter will be thoroughly read, or even scanned, but we can guarantee that if the recruiter wants a cover letter and your application doesn’t have one, you are highly unlikely to get the job. In fact, 45 percent of recruiters said that lacking a cover letter could get your job application rejected.
This lifeguard cover letter example will give you a blueprint for writing your own cover letter:
Dear Ms. Hathersage,
My 6 years of beach lifeguarding have given me a sixth sense to spot the danger signs and I am proud to have saved countless lives. As my efforts have also been recognized by supervisors and happy visitors, I am proud to be including 65 recommendations with my application.
Whether I am on the lookout for rips, practicing my paddleboarding, or patrolling the beach, my dedication to beach safety stems from a happy childhood spent in the knowledge that the lifeguards would look after us. I am a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross, with additional certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED. During my time at Crescent Beach, I received several awards for my performance, including the Lifeguard of the Month on six occasions.
Furthermore, my background includes experience as a swimming coach, where I taught individuals of various age groups and skill levels. This has allowed me to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds, a crucial skill for any lifeguard. I try to spend at least half of my time on the beach reminding visitors about beach safety (as well as having a bit of fun with them), so communication is key.
I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to the Sunset Beach lifeguarding team. I am confident that my achievements and dedication to safety will make me a valuable asset. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Will Tregannon
If you’re looking for additional inspiration for cover letter writing, you can check out our related cover letter samples:
Here’s where you can make a splash with your lifeguard cover letter. To attract the eye toward your application, you want a header that makes a great visual impression so that the recruiter will be tempted to read your carefully crafted text.
The other main purpose of the header is to prominently display your contact information so that it’s easy to reach you to schedule an interview. Include your name, city of residence, and the best email and phone number with which to reach you quickly. There’s no need to add your street address unless it’s highly relevant; for example, you live down the block from the pool.
Make sure you have a professional-sounding email. “Poolrat@dontdrown.com” may have been funny to your friends, but it won’t serve you well in your job search. Use social media accounts only if they, too, are professional. Finally, match the style of your header to that of your resume to create a coordinated application package.
To start your lifeguard cover letter off swimmingly, make sure you address the hiring manager personally, professionally, and correctly. Unless you know the person well, a greeting such as “Hi Jimmy,” is a bit too casual for a first contact with a prospective boss.
Your best bet for a cover letter greeting is the tried and true, “Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last name].” Be sure you are getting the spelling and honorific correct. If you have any doubts, a message or phone call to clear things up is in order. People like to be addressed by name – but only if you do it correctly.
The introduction serves as a hook to pique the interest of your reader. You’ve addressed the hiring manager by name and now, within this paragraph of your lifeguard cover letter, you have to get them interested in you as an employee.
Why do you want the job and what will you bring to the staff overall? Lifeguards must be on high alert at all times, although their hope is that they are never called into action. This combination of boredom and preparedness is difficult to maintain. How do you manage? Answering any of these questions is a great way to interest the hiring manager.
Another consideration is how you heard about the job. If you have been referred to the position by a friend or associate, you may start your introduction by saying, “Martha Reed suggested I contact you about this exciting opportunity.” Employers often prefer a person they know, even if it is secondhand, over a person who comes without a recommendation. Making a personal connection gives you an edge.
Dear Ms. Hathersage,
My 6 years of beach lifeguarding have given me a sixth sense to spot the danger signs and I am proud to have saved countless lives. As my efforts have also been recognized by supervisors and happy visitors, I am proud to be including 65 recommendations with my application.
The body of your lifeguard cover letter details your qualifications for the position, including your Red Cross certification, any CPR or first aid classes, or water safety classes you have completed. If you are looking for seasonal work, explain what you do the rest of the year.
Within this section, you may also choose to explain why you want to be a lifeguard. Are you a member of a swim or dive team or another water-related sport such as water polo or synchronized swimming? Any of these shows that you understand water safety and are an excellent swimmer in great shape.
Choose three accomplishments or traits you want to highlight to break out into a bulleted list. This serves to break up the text and save space in this one-page document. Part of your job will be interacting with swimmers and their families as well as other staff members, so make sure you give at least one example of your interpersonal skills.
First-time job cover letter
If you are recently certified and are looking for your first job, don’t worry. Summer camps, local pools and beaches, and other seasonal facilities are accustomed to hiring entry-level employees. Focus your letter on your training, goals, and any extracurriculars that show that you are reliable and focused.
Whether I am on the lookout for rips, practicing my paddleboarding, or patrolling the beach, my dedication to beach safety stems from a happy childhood spent in the knowledge that the lifeguards would look after us. I am a certified lifeguard through the American Red Cross, with additional certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED. During my time at Crescent Beach, I received several awards for my performance, including the Lifeguard of the Month on six occasions.
Furthermore, my background includes experience as a swimming coach, where I taught individuals of various age groups and skill levels. This has allowed me to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds, a crucial skill for any lifeguard. I try to spend at least half of my time on the beach reminding visitors about beach safety (as well as having a bit of fun with them), so communication is key.
The goal of your lifeguard cover letter is to get that interview, so make sure that in your conclusion you remind your reader why you are an excellent candidate. If you have space, include a sentence or two that adds insight into your personality.
Here are a few questions you can answer to do that:
Before you sign off with a “Sincerely,” or “Regards,” and your full name, politely request an interview to discuss the position in more detail.
I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to the Sunset Beach lifeguarding team. I am confident that my achievements and dedication to safety will make me a valuable asset. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Sincerely,
Will Tregannon