How to Describe Lifeguarding on Your Common App: More Than Just Saving Lives (and It’s Not About the Tan)
You’re a lifeguard. You’ve spent your summers dodging rogue beach balls, enforcing pool rules with the gravitas of a seasoned judge, and occasionally saving someone from a watery demise (hopefully not a rogue beach ball). But when it comes to the Common App, how do you translate those sun-soaked, chlorine-scented memories into the cold, hard reality of a college application? Let’s dive in (pun intended).
Forget the Beach Ball, Focus On the Skills
Listen, we get it. You’re a lifeguard. You’ve probably spent more time in the sun than a cactus in the desert. But let’s face it, your application isn’t going to be judged on your tan lines. (Though, if you can pull off the “I’m a lifeguard, but also a scholar” look, kudos to you.) The real key is to highlight the skills you’ve developed, the ones that go beyond the “save a drowning person” checklist.
Think Beyond The Basic Responsibilities
Sure, your job description likely involves a lot of “watching the pool” and “making sure people don’t drown.” But think about the actual skills you’ve honed:
- Leadership: You’re in charge, even if it’s just a small pool area. You make decisions, you enforce rules, you might even train new lifeguards. That’s leadership, baby!
- Responsibility: Lifeguarding isn’t just about being on duty. It’s about knowing your responsibilities, taking them seriously, and being prepared for anything. You’re entrusted with the safety of others, and that’s a big deal.
- Problem-solving: Things don’t always go smoothly at the pool. Maybe a kid is throwing a tantrum, or someone needs first aid. You’re the one who needs to think on your feet, assess the situation, and make quick decisions.
- Communication: You need to be able to communicate effectively with your patrons, with your fellow lifeguards, and with your supervisor. You need to give clear instructions, explain rules, and handle emergencies with calmness and confidence.
Sell Your Story, Not Just Your Stats
Don’t just list your duties like a robotic barista. Inject some personality into your description. What’s your most memorable moment as a lifeguard? How did you overcome a challenge? Did you help someone learn to swim? Did you have to deal with a particularly difficult situation?
Here’s an example of how to describe your lifeguard experience:
“As a lifeguard for the past three summers, I’ve gained invaluable experience in leadership, responsibility, and problem-solving. I’ve learned to think quickly and make decisive decisions, whether it’s calming down a distressed swimmer or handling a first-aid situation. My most memorable experience was when I organized a safety drill for new lifeguards. I took the initiative to create a scenario that challenged everyone to think critically and respond effectively. It was a rewarding experience to see everyone work together and learn from the exercise.”
Remember, You’re Not Just a Lifeguard, You’re a Storyteller
You’re not just writing a job description, you’re painting a picture of yourself as a candidate who is responsible, capable, and willing to learn. The college admissions officers aren’t just looking for a lifeguard, they’re looking for someone who can contribute to their campus community.
A Few Extra Tips for Common App Success
- Keep it Concise: The Common App activities section is limited, so make every word count.
- Be Specific: Instead of saying “I’m responsible,” give an example of how you demonstrated responsibility.
- Highlight Your Strengths: What skills are you most proud of developing as a lifeguard? Focus on those.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Personality: Let your passion for lifeguarding shine through.
The Takeaway: Lifeguarding is More Than Just a Job
Lifeguarding is a great way to develop valuable skills and demonstrate your commitment to safety and leadership. Don’t be afraid to showcase those skills on your Common App. Use your story to show colleges that you’re more than just a lifeguard – you’re a well-rounded individual with the skills and personality to succeed in college.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to nail down your lifeguard description, or if you’re looking for more tips on the Common App, don’t hesitate to connect with us at the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you craft the perfect application that showcases your amazing lifeguard skills!