Lifeguard Rescue Equipment: What Do Lifeguards Carry?
If you’ve ever asked, “What is that red thing lifeguards carry?,” you’re not alone. The buoy may be the most recognizable piece of Lifeguard Rescue Equipment, aside from bright red swimsuits.
From pools to open oceans, the rescue buoy (or rescue can) is designed to save lives, and each type serves a unique purpose.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between pool and ocean rescue gear, explore why buoys are essential, and help you choose the right lifeguard rescue equipment for your environment.
The Buoy: Critical Rescue Equipment For Lifeguards
The rescue buoy goes by many names, including rescue can, torpedo buoy, or simply a “can.” It’s a brightly colored floatation device (usually red or orange) designed to assist swimmers in distress and help lifeguards stay buoyant while towing them to safety.
Made from high-impact plastic or foam, these tools are built to last and endure any aquatic conditions from quiet lap pools to raging coastlines.
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Why Do Lifeguards Carry a Buoy?
Lifeguards carry buoys for one main reason: they save lives efficiently and safely.
A buoy allows a lifeguard to:
- Provide flotation to the victim
- Tether and tow the swimmer with less physical strain
- Maintain a barrier between themselves and a panicking victim
- Assist multiple victims at once (in open water situations)
In rough waters, the buoy keeps both rescuer and victim afloat. In pools, it helps stabilize the swimmer for extraction. Simply put: it’s an essential piece of lifeguard rescue equipment.
What’s the Difference Between Rescue Buoys?
Not all buoys are created equal.
The biggest differences come down to where you’re lifeguarding and what conditions you’re facing.
1. Pool Rescue Tubes
- Made of soft, closed-cell foam
- Covered in durable vinyl or neoprene
- Typically 40–50 inches long with a shoulder strap
- Flexible, allowing wrap-around assists and easy towing
- Ideal for still-water environments like pools, water parks, and calm lakes
2. Ocean Rescue Cans (Torpedo Buoys)
- Molded from hard plastic for durability
- Streamlined and rigid, often shaped like a torpedo
- Often used with a shoulder strap and rope
- Ideal for rough surf, long-distance swims, and multi-victim rescues
What About the Clip and Strap?
Straps and clips matter more than you think—especially in salt water.
- Freshwater (pools, lakes):
Buoys often feature metal clips or buckles which work well in non-corrosive settings. - Saltwater (beaches, surf):
Guards should use stainless steel or corrosion-resistant plastic clips to avoid rust or failure.
High UV exposure and salt content can wear down straps fast, so surf lifeguards should opt for reinforced or replaceable shoulder harnesses.
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Lifeguard Rescue Equipment Techniques by Environment
The gear you carry influences the lifeguard rescue technique you’ll use:
- Pool Rescue:
Swim to the victim, hand off the soft rescue tube, and assist from behind—using the tube as a float barrier. - Open Water Rescue:
Approach with caution. Use the rigid rescue can to establish flotation between you and the victim, then tow them to shore using the attached strap. - Multi-Victim Rescue (Surf):
The rescue can’s high buoyancy allows lifeguards to support two or more swimmers at once—a critical feature in rip current scenarios.
Each scenario requires specific training and appropriate lifeguard gear.
Lifeguards, Pick the Right Rescue Equipment for the Job
Whether you’re guarding a city pool or patrolling surf breaks, your rescue buoy is your lifeline—and your victim’s. Understanding the differences between rescue tubes and cans, clip types, and rescue techniques helps ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
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