As a lifeguard, you are a trained professional as well as an authority figure. It helps to dress the part.
Steps
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Your guard suit should be worn at all times. Even if it is not that warm out or if there are only a few people in the pool, you should wear it.
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Rule of thumb: an article of clothing that says "Lifeguard" should be visible at all times. A suit or shirt is acceptable.
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Your employers may issue a t-shirt, tank-top, or long sleeve shirt; this should be worn as often as possible.
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In hot weather, it is usually acceptable for male guards to wear just their suits. Female guards should wear their suits with black, navy, gray, or red shorts.
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Waterproof flip flops or sneakers should be worn at all times.
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You should always have a whistle on a lanyard with you while on duty. Depending on your place of employment, you may also need to have a face mask, disposable gloves, or an air horn with you.
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Sunglasses are very helpful when it's sunny or even overcast, since the light reflecting off the water can cause glare.
Tips
- Sunscreen should be worn at all times, even if you "don't get sunburn."
- If you are unsure about what you are wearing, ask yourself: If my supervisor showed up at the pool right now, would I feel uncomfortable? Would he/she say something? Or would I go and change before he/she saw me?
- Remember, even if you aren't sitting in the chair on duty, you are still a lifeguard and you are still expected to look and act professionally.
- For male guards, boxers shouldn't be visible under the suit.
- Guard suits are usually black, red, or navy.
- For female guards, rolling down the top of the suit and wearing a bikini top underneath while not on duty is generally not an acceptable practice.
- Contact a head lifeguard or supervisor for additional tips on what to wear.
Warnings
- This attire should not be worn if you are not a trained lifeguard.
- Failure to dress properly may result in consequences from a supervisor.
Things You'll Need
- Lifeguard suit
- Whistle with lanyard
- Sunglasses
- Flip flops or sneakers
- (For females) shorts
- T-shirt, tank-top, or long sleeve guard shirt