From the beach to the boat to the pool deck, our lifeguard swimsuits and apparel saves lives! A few things have changed since we started selling lifeguard shorts in the 80’s, but the emphasis on quality and customer service is more alive than ever. This year, we are excited to offer multiple new colors in our sun protection lines, new weather gear and outerwear, and a few new rescue equipment items. Watermen is built on decades of feedback from the lifesaving professionals we support, so don’t be surprised when your first pair of shorts or swimsuit feels like it was made for you. Make every shift more comfortable with our premium quality lifeguard apparel and equipment.
Premium Quality Lifeguard Apparel with 5 star customer service
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New 2024 lifeguard apparel:
Santa Cruz Sweapants. Shop these cozy lifeguard sweatpants made for cooler weather. Ankle zips allow for easy changing. Sizes SM through 3XL. Black & Navy available.
Big River Weatherproof Pants. These exceptionally weatherproof pants are perfect for all conditions. Zipper ankle cuffs allow for easy changing. Sizes XS through 3XL. Navy, Red, & Black available,
Watermen Joggers. The ultimate active professional pant that doesn’t sacrifice functionality and comfort. Breathable, moisture-wicking, and tapered leg. Sizes XS through 2XL. Navy & Black available.
Lifeguard Work Jacket. The gold standard of the industry, the Watermen Lifeguard Jacket has new plush fleece lining and priceless functionality. Pockets secure radios and rescue equipment, while ribbed cuffs allow for all activities. Sizes XS through 3XL. Navy & Red available.
New Sun Protection Colors. We now offer Rashguards in color: white (longsleeve & shortsleeve), Windansea Hoodie in color: yellow, and our Surf Shirts in color: royal (longsleeve & shortsleeve). All UPF 50
Watermen Customer Service
Here at Watermen, we take pride in our recurring business and customers. Our customer support is available Monday through Friday from 9-4pm PST. If you are a new or repeat customer, give us a ring if you would like to go through the 2024 with a sales representative. You can discuss all of our Lifeguard Swimwear and Apparel in depth. We are more than happy to provide a quote for any bulk or wholesale inquiries.
Now available: GUARD+ Embroidered Lifeguard Gear. No minimum quantity required! Shop our selection of Men’s & Women’s Lifeguard Apparel with premium quality GUARD+ embroidery.
So you just started a summer lifeguard job, but need to buy some shorts and other ‘Lifeguard Apparel’. Watermen Brand has got you covered. Check out our selection of premium quality shorts, trunks, boardshorts, tees, jackets, and swimsuits, all embroidered with GUARD+. Also, if you find a product on our website that you wish to embroider or customize with ‘GUARD’ or your own logo, please give us a call or send us a message here.
Highest Quality GUARD Gear on the market!
All of our Lifeguard Shorts & Swimsuits are made from premium quality fabric blends that are made to last, season after season. We know what it takes to create a premium quality product, because the company was founded by lifeguards who wanted to create the most comfortable and durable lifeguard shorts, working 15 hour days on the beach, in and out of the water. We know we’re not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Designed in the USA, with more and more of our production becoming domestic, we are an true California Lifeguard company.
Men’s Lifeguard Gear
Watermen Brand Lifeguard boardshorts and trunks are made from a polyester / elastane blend that provides unparalleled stretch and comfort, while resisting chlorine. Shop Watermen Brand Lifeguard Apparel here.
Women’s Lifeguard Gear
Watermen Brand Lifeguard Swimsuits, Bikinis, and women’s shorts are made from premium quality Polyester to provide the most durable and flexible suits on the market. Shop Watermen Brand Women’s Lifeguard Apparel here.
Watermen Brand is built on years of customer satisfaction and customer service. Whether you need one suit, or 1,000, we have got your back. Give us a ring or send us a message for all bulk or wholesale inquiries. customerservice@watermenbrand.com 1-800-414-3181
Men’s Lifeguard Shorts & Swimsuit Sizes: Find the perfect fit.
When it comes to Men’s Lifeguard Shorts & Swimsuit sizes, not all styles and brands fit the same. Each pair of shorts, trunks, or boardshorts on the market, is usually manufactured with different fabric, varying lengths, and styles. However, we are here to guide you through the Watermen Brand sizing for Men’s Lifeguard Shorts. As a general rule of thumb, there are two classifications: Elastic Waist Shorts & Fixed Waist Shorts. Elastic waist allows for a slight margin of error when choosing your size, due to the ability of the waistline to expand or contract to fit your waist size, whereas the ‘Fixed Waist’ shorts are less forgiving, and require accurate measurements to provide a snug fit, especially in the water. So, we begin with the most important measurement; your waist size.
Use this ‘Sizing Measurements’ guide to ensure an accurate fit:
Men’s Lifeguard Trunks aka ‘Elastic Waist’ Shorts
To find the perfect fit for our Watermen Brand Lifeguard trunks, we recommend consulting our Sizing Chart. All of our elastic waist Lifeguard Trunks are true to size, offering an ability to size down for a more streamlined, tight fit, or size up for larger legs or a more relaxed, looser fit. Each pair of trunks has a different inseam length, offering multiple styles for all. The elastic waistband allows a secure and comfortable fit and drawcord allows cinching to provide the ultimate snug fit. Sizes on select models run from Youth Sizes (Small through Large) to Adult (XS through 4XL). You can shop our Men’s Lifeguard Trunks here
Bottom Line: Overall true fit, so aim true to size. Size up for larger legs or looser desired fit.
Watermen Brand Lifeguard boardshorts are designed to endure the elements, and last through the seasons. We specifically manufacture our boardshorts with extremely durable fabric, because we know what it takes to claim ‘Quality over everything else’. This enhanced durability allows for the boardshorts to fit perfect from the day you by them, to the day you retire them. Although the fabric may stretch to allow an increased range of mobility, the waistband should never stretch out. We cannot emphasize our slogan enough: Made for Lifeguards, by Lifeguards. Our business was built on this, and after 3 decades in the game, we are still striving to create an even more durable, flexible, and functional pair of lifeguard shorts. Truth be told, it’s getting hard and harder to ‘one-up’ ourselves.
Regarding boardshorts, we recommend taking a look at our sizing chart to ensure your waist measurement is accurate. All boardshort sizes are based on waist measurements and run true to size. Our waistband fabric allows a secure and snug fit. Drawcord enables cinching to provide an even tighter fit for swimming, running, and water sports. You can shop Men’s Lifeguard Boardshorts here.
Bottom Line: Overall true fit, so aim true to size.
Watermen Brand Women’s Lifeguard Shorts are one of the fastest growing products for Female Lifeguard Uniforms. Women’s guard shorts provide comfort and coverage for those in bikinis or swimsuits on the job. Whether you are in and out of the water, or on the beach all day, our women’s line of shorts have all the function you need, with a style that has you wearing them, even when you’re not working.
Through years of feedback, Watermen Brand has designed and manufactured 5 models of women’s lifeguard shorts. These unique and original women’s shorts are preferred by agencies worldwide. Why? Because the individual female lifeguards have personally requested them! Lets take a look at what separates us from the competition:
Model wearing the Aloha Stretch Short in navy.
Quality Lifeguard Shorts designed by Lifeguards
Quality is the name of the game when it comes to longevity and durability. Our range of women’s lifeguard shorts are designed with premium fabric and materials. From the 4-way super stretch blends to our elastic waistbands and stitching. Every aspect has been designed by lifeguards, for lifeguards. Each short serves a purpose and has been designed with a specific use in mind. Take a look at our original women’s collection below:
Watermen Brand Women’s Lifeguard Shorts
ShopWomen’s Crew Short – Perfect for 15 hour days. This short is built with our performance stretch fabric and remains breathable and wrinkle resistant while keeping you comfortable in the transition from work to water. Just the right fit with a flattering professional length. Ideal for anyone that needs to look professional in and around the water.
ShopWomen’s Super Girl Short – Quick drying, ultra lightweight, 2 front pockets. One of our most popular models, preferred for everyday use, lifeguarding, water parks and pools. Draw cord to firmly secure on hips for swimming or running.
ShopWomen’s Pro Stretch Boardshort – Microshield pocket w/ Velcro®-closure cargo pocket and stitched grommets. Elastic waist with drawcord. Flexible, durable, and stylish solution for lifeguarding, water park employees, or everyday aquatic use.
ShopWomen’s Aloha Stretch Short – The Aloha Short is a 4″ inseam women’s short made of 4-way stretch material. Enjoy these ultra lightweight, anti-microbial and odor free shorts from the beach to the gym and everywhere in between. The waistband can be flipped down allowing a more streamlined fit. Preferred for lifeguarding, water parks and pools, or everyday use.
ShopThe Betty Boardshort – The timeless retro boardshort combined with our 4-way stretch fabric is built for a comfortable streamlined fit.
Customize Women’s Shorts & Lifeguard Apparel
As you can see, we have created a short for every occasion. From chlorinated pools and waterparks to daily use in salt water, our women’s shorts are built to last… and last. If this is your first time finding us, make sure to subscribe for future email sales. For wholesale pricing or customization, please call us at 1-800-414-3181, or visit our Bulk Order page to submit an inquiry.
Before discussing Women’s Lifeguard Apparel, it is important to gain perspective. Women officially began lifeguarding in the 1970s. Lifeguarding is a tough demanding job. Originally male lifeguards were opposed to women in lifeguard positions because they did not think women could physically handle the job but the courageous act of Sharon Law helped change their tune. Law single handedly saved 20 people in one day. On one of her rescue trips that day, through the worse rip currents ever seen in that area, Ms. Law swam to shore towing five people on her rescue tube. This tremendous feat helped encourage the hiring of female lifeguards.
The Original Watermen Lifeguard Store
Lifeguard agencies had to make several quick decisions on the swimsuits needed for the new influx of women into the field. When women first appeared on the lifeguard scene, stylish and extremely functional women’s lifeguard uniforms didn’t exist. Lifeguard agencies struggled to find women’s lifeguard swimsuits that were designed to keep up with the rigor of the demanding job, and had the ability to hold up in the water, sun, wind and chlorine day after day. They needed a one stop lifeguard store, specializing in women’s lifeguard uniforms and other lifeguard equipment. So, Original Watermen, a Lifeguard Company was created, bringing unity, comfort and design to a much-needed lifeguard world.
Women’s Lifeguard Apparel: What to Wear?
With Original Watermen stepping up and solving the huge problem of where to get the women’s lifeguard uniforms, the next big question was; What to wear? The evolution of female lifeguard uniforms has come a long way since the early 1970’s. In the beginning lifeguard agencies required the females to wear one piece lifeguard swimsuits, but now most female guards are allowed a choice between a one-piece lifeguard swimsuits like the X-Back Elite, or two-piece lifeguard swimsuits like the rescue bikini. All the while sticking to the traditional lifeguard red color.
Straps and Bras
The key element with either women’s lifeguard swimsuit is their functionality while swimming. The lifeguard swimsuit straps must be secure from slippage and the bra section must stay put. Strap slippage while swimming to a rescue hinders the ability of the guard’s arms to move freely. The slippage creates annoying situations and possibly even dangerous conditions, causing the guard arms to become immovable at a critical time. Major distractions for all involved are created if the bra section of the women’s lifeguard swimsuit slips down, or slips open revealing the bosom of the guard. A good women’s lifeguard swimsuit protects your privacy when your cold, and is not transparent when wet. Women’s lifeguard apparel is made with 4-way super stretch material, Extra Life Lycra or sanded polyester, and provides you with a nice soft cup. Larger breasted women need a lifeguard swimsuit with a built-in bra like the snug-n-sturdy Racer Tank. Note: Polyester blends give you a suit that is quick drying, breathable provide UV protection and chlorine block.
Women’s One Piece Lifeguard Swimsuit
Positive features of the women’s one piece lifeguard swimsuit over the two-piece lifeguard swimsuit is that while in the water no matter the surf condition the bottom stays on. One piece women’s lifeguard swimsuits like the Performance Hybrid swimsuit is smooth and tight making you more aerodynamic and hydrodynamic. Suits made entirely with one piece of fabric will eliminate chafing and drag, more than a lifeguard swimsuit with multiple seams. One piece women’s lifeguard swimsuits offer a bit of compression aiding with muscle recovery.
The disadvantages and complaints of most women’s one piece lifeguard swimsuits vary. They have the tendency to ride up if the length of the bodice is to short, which makes things quite uncomfortable. Others are concerned that they don’t get the great tan that often comes when wearing a two-piece women’s lifeguard swimsuit. Though, going to the bathroom is the most common complaint with one-piece suits. Many solve this problem by just pulling the bottom to the side but for longer days, a two-piece women’s lifeguard swimsuit can save you time and energy when a bathroom break is needed. Finally, women’s one-piece lifeguard swimsuits hold in more body heat, which can be a big issue if it’s a hot day and a benefit if it’s a cold day.
Two Piece Women’s Lifeguard Swimsuits
The two-piece women’s lifeguard swimsuit feels less restrictive and more versatile. The perfect bottom has built in elastic and a drawcord waist for those rough water days. You can wear a pair of Super Girl Guard Shorts with a swimsuit top for extra bottom security. The biggest problem with women’s two-piece lifeguard swimsuits is a lot of them tie behind the neck. This can cause neck problems, headaches, aching shoulders and tremendous tension along the upper back area. Swimsuits like the Rescue Bikini, that we spoke of above, cross on the back keeping the tension off the neck and stops strap slippage.
In the end, it’s a personal preference. No matter what is decided, female lifeguards need dependable, high quality uniforms that hold up under extreme conditions. They need women’s lifeguard uniforms that are made with material that decrease drying time, breathe and stretch in all the right places, and that are comfortable enough to wear day after day. Great women’s lifeguard swimsuits come with chlorine block and UV protection for those long days in the sun.
The lifeguard store at Original Watermen equips lifeguards with the most flattering, efficient, comfortable, high quality women’s lifeguard apparel on the market and is preferred by most municipalities and parks across the globe, 75,456 to be exact!
Lifeguard apparel, mainly their boardshorts have come a long way since the 1970s. In the seventies, their boardshorts were shorter, bulkier and rough to the touch. Needless to say, the rough material causing rashes, was the norm. Another issue with board shorts, that could potentially be detrimental, and hinder even the best lifeguard’s ability to save lives, was that they tended to fall down. And sometimes even fall all the way off, in the waves, due to the one-size fits all drawstring. Finally, the all-important, and distinct red color of lifeguard’s board shorts tended to fade quickly in the sun, and in highly chlorinated pools.
Boardshort Material
Now almost 50 years later, Original Watermen, a company owned and operated by ex-lifeguards knows all too well about the pain and rashes causes by the old rough, coarse materials, and are now making a better boardshort. Their lifeguard boardshorts are made from a sanded polyester microfiber, offering a more silky, smooth feel. The microfiber is not only comfortable, but it also creates a fast-drying suit, resulting in a rash free environment in those personal areas. As well, there are no more one size fits all drawstrings. Original Watermen has added Spandex to the boardshorts, creating clean lines with a 4-way stretch which offers all day comfort.
Lifeguard Boardshorts: Smells and Color Retention
Being from Southern California my kids spent months at the beach without ever washing their suits. “Aww, mom they get washed everyday”, they’d say. But as a mother you could smell them. Original Watermen now uses a material made with odorless, antibacterial, technology and can withstand weeks of continuous use. Lifeguard boardshorts in the past faded quickly, due to the wear and tear commonplace in their everyday work environment. Boardshorts now are chosen for their color fastness. The material selected by Original Watermen is resistant to sun, chlorine and abrasion.
Water Resistance
Boogie boarding became popular in the 1980s and 90s. My kids loved the boogie boards but the problem we had was the pockets would fill with water from the waves and rip their boardshorts off exposing their bare buns. Original Watermen, while trying to create a more arrow dynamic lifeguard boardshort, used their patented technology and craftsmanship to develop a self-draining pocket. The large cargo pockets are not only useful to a lifeguard, but they appeal to anyone that needs a safe place to stash their wax, keys and even money. These pockets are very secure with microshield Velcro closures. Original Watermen also solved that bare buns dilemma, as their boardshorts contain drainage grommets.
Boardshorts No Longer Just for Boys
Being a surfer girl from the seventies, I spent a lot of my time pulling up or hunting down my bathing suit bottoms after waves crushed over the top of me. I tried shorts only to have them yanked off me. If only I had a pair of girl boardshorts. Not ones that went to my knees but form-fitting, with side vents for easy maneuverability. I wanted a boardshort soft to the touch, quick drying, and stretchy. Now almost fifty years later, Original Watermen not only created the perfect lifeguard boardshort for women, but also a fantastic boardshort for everyday water lovers like me.
Original Waterman, a lifeguard company, strives to continue improving the quality of lifeguard and swimming apparel for all types of water sports and activities.
Women’s Lifeguard Apparel
