Lifeguard Uniforms and Apparel Combine Form and Functionality.

Lifeguard uniforms and apparel are an important part of the job.  A lifeguard may be well-trained and experienced, but he or she also needs the right equipment to be successful in guarding or saving lives.  Men’s and women’s lifeguard swimsuits are almost always created in brightly visible colors, usually red, for obvious reasons.  When someone on the beach or at the pool is attempting to find a lifeguard, the bright red suits are easy to spot.  In addition, when a lifeguard is in action, the color allows others to find them when coming to assist in the rescue.  Lifeguard uniforms and apparel are usually manufactured from polyester, which is lightweight and dries quickly.  Men’s suits are typically long trunks or boardshorts, though traditional length shorts are used by some.  These shorts may be cargo-type, including exterior pockets with Velcro enclosures, and a key pocket inside the waistband.  Styles are available with elastic waistband or draw-cord waists.  Women’s uniforms are most often one-piece suits, but some two-piece suits are available. Styles are available in flyback or diamond back designs.  Several companies also offer shorts or trunks in their women’s line.

These suits are produced by many of the companies that dominate the swimsuit industry, such as Speedo, QuickSilver, Nike, ClubSwim, Waterpro, and Dolfin.  Each company produces a product line featuring the various styles mentioned above. 

Lifeguard apparel includes shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.  Shirts are offered in classic t-shirt styles, tank tops, as well as long-sleeve versions.  Most are emblazoned with the standard lifeguard cross logo. Some are manufactured from cotton or cotton blends.  Lifeguards wanting a shirt that will dry faster or remain light even when wet can select Lycra or polyester shirts.  To keep warm, lifeguards can choose from a variety of sweatshirt styles in standard cotton, and fleece is also popular.  Most styles are pullovers, rather than zippered.  Shirts and sweatshirts are a necessary component of the lifeguard’s protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun, and are worn whenever they won’t encumber their performance.  Hats round out their apparel, also helping to keep the sun off the lifeguard and out of their eyes.

Lifeguard uniforms and apparel can be shopped for at major swimsuit retailers, and also on the internet.  Most online retailers will feature their complete catalog including styles, available colors and sizes, and of course, prices.