Approved Lifeguard Swimwear & Swimsuits for you Lifeguard Job
Watermen Lifeguard swimwear and apparel is approved for all standard pool and beach lifeguard positions. If your job requires you to purchase a lifeguard uniform, we’ve got you covered. Typical uniform requirements range from specific colors to mandatory gear and recommended equipment. Below we will discuss popular required Lifeguard Swimwear, Swimsuits, Shorts, & Equipment.
What Swimwear is required for Lifeguarding?
Depending on your Agency or Employer, your Approved Lifeguard Swimwear & Swimsuits will vary. Most employers require a red or navy uniform consisting of shorts, and or swimwear such as a one piece bathing suit or two piece bikini. Standard accepted gear usually requires a visible ‘GUARD+’ or ‘LIFEGUARD’ logo clearly placed on the chest of all swimsuits and on the leg of shorts. Additional lifeguard apparel includes t-shirts, hats, and outerwear such as sweatshirts or sweatpants. In summary, most lifeguard jobs require the following items:
Swimwear and apparel in the color Red, Navy, Royal, or Black (depending on your Agency, Pool, or Employer)
GUARD+ or LIFEGUARD logo clearly displayed on chest of swimsuits or shirts, and leg of shorts.
Additional Equipment such as hip pack, CPR mask, whistle, etc
If you are unclear which items are required by your employer, don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor and discuss the mandatory swimwear and equipment.
Women’s Approved Lifeguard Swimwear & Swimsuits
For 3 decades, Watermen has been creating professional women’s lifeguard swimwear and equipment that is certified for Lifeguard Jobs. Shop our Best sellers:
Women’s One-Piece Lifeguard Swimsuits
Women’s X-Back One-Piece Swimsuit with GUARD+(Red, Navy, Royal, Black). Our 4-way super stretch fabric leaves the competition in the dust. Not only breathable and immensely comfortable, but also guaranteed to hold its color, and not sag or lose shape. Rated to withstand 300+ hours of chlorine and sun abuse, You’re going to have this fully lined suit for a very, very long time. WE GUARANTEE IT! Made is the USA.
Women’s Racer Tank One-Piece Swimsuit with GUARD+(Red, Navy, Royal, Black). The Racer Tank Elite Women’s One-Piece Swimsuit is a streamline Polyester suit, built to last. Made with chlorine rated polyester fabric, the Racer Tank Elite is double lined for 0% transparency and comes complete with a built in bra for extra support. Watermen Brand is proud to produce this swimsuit in the USA.
Women’s Two-Piece Lifeguard Swimsuits & Bikinis
Rescue Bikini Top with GUARD+ (Red, Navy, Royal, Black). The best of both worlds, double layered Sports Bra fit with a built-in support and. secure straps and design create a top that is desired to be worn, both on and off the clock. Built by female lifeguards for female lifeguards. 100% chlorine block Polyester is color fast and race resistant. Excellent for water parks and aquatic sports.
Racer Back Bikini Top with GUARD+ (Red, Navy, Royal, Black). The Racer Back Swimsuit Top is an excellent swimsuit for all activities. Full coverage and double layered fabric provide reinforced comfort and 0% transparency. Enhanced support with a Sports bra fit allows this swimsuit top to be worn for all pursuits, both in and out of the water, especially recommended by beach lifeguards, pool guards, and athletes alike.
Tankini Set with GUARD+ (Red, Navy).Looks like a one piece with flexibility of two piece. Our performance Elite fabric is non-fading 100% chlorine proof, UPF50+ and super soft, Quick drying and hold it recovery. Shelf bra with liner for added support and comfort sold as set, Bottoms included. 100% chlorine proof polyester
Women’s Lifeguard Shorts
Aloha Stretch Shorts with GUARD+ (Red, Navy, Royal, Black). 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.
Super Girl Short with GUARD+ (Red, Navy, Royal, Black). 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.
Men’s Approved Lifeguard Swimwear & Swimsuits
For 3 decades, Watermen has been creating the best lifeguard shorts approved for Lifeguard Jobs. Shop our Best sellers:
Men’s Lifeguard Shorts
Maverick Short 17″ with GUARD+ (Red, Navy, Royal, Black). Super Soft Lightweight 4-way super stretch, for 15 hour days of comfort & functionality, both in and out of the water. Featuring our hydrophobic fabric that dries lightning fast with a shorter inseam and scalloped sides to provide maximum movement. Elastic waist with secure drawcord, front side mesh drainage pockets and no liner. Smooth bound seams eliminate chaffing with a back patch pocket with Velcro®-closure. Non chaffing Cool-Plus® antimicrobial liner.
Rincon Stretch Short 19″ with GUARD+ (Red, Navy, Royal, Black). Super stretch material provides comfort & rash- free performance. Dries quickly. Scalloped sides provide maximum movement. Elastic waist with secure drawcord, front side mesh drainage pockets and side radio pocket. Smooth bound seams that eliminate chaffing and a Cool-Plus® antimicrobial liner.
Mainstay Boardshort 18.5″ with GUARD+ (Red, Navy, Black). Fit is everything! First in its class; super durable 4-way stretch short that is comfortable wet or dry and is made specifically for lifeguards. This shorter mid-thigh 8” inseam scalloped leg boardshort comes with the first Thru & ThruTM drawcord cinch waist that is made to stay on when making rescues. With unparalleled function and comfort, this baby has a Velcro® CPR mask/ radio pocket and is guaranteed to be the Watermen® brand’s bestselling short to date.
The Performance Short 14″ with GUARD+ (Red, Navy, Royal, Black). Back for the first time, the Performance Short 2.0, the most advanced lifeguard short on the market. Engineered to keep you cool, comfortable, rash-free, and as dry as possible when the job calls for a busy day running and swimming. Features a new hydrophobic 4-way stretch material that dries lightning fast and a shorter inseam with a Cool Plus® liner that will prevent “chaffage” when running. Three large water and sand draining pockets, adjustable elastic drawcord waist.
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
California’s beautiful State Parks encompass over 900 miles of ocean coastlines plus thousands of miles of reservoir, lake and river shorelines. Thousands of lifeguards protect these water sources, to ensure the safety of the 50 million people, that travel to these parks each year. California’s State Parks employ around 600 seasonal lifeguards each summer. And each of these lifeguards have completed lifeguard training, certification and testing programs. Note: These programs are not swim classes, they can be seriously physically and mentally challenging.
Understanding What Type of Lifeguard, You Want to Be
Lifeguard training is job specific, that said there are the following:
Pool Lifeguards – areresponsible for public and private pools
Aquatic Attraction Lifeguards – watch over waterparks or pools that offer attractions, and a have a maximum water depth of 5 feet or less.
Waterfront Lifeguards – prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps, campgrounds etc. life lakes, bays or rivers.
Beach Lifeguards – guard in all areas of open water with surf.
Qualifications
Typically, agencies allow you to be 15 years of age, on or before the final day of the lifeguard training course, but most expect you to be 16. As well as possess a valid driver’s license, with a good driving record, at the time of appointment. Candidates must have the ability to read and write English and have no felony convictions.
The biggest and most important qualification is you must have the physical strength and endurance necessary to rescue a struggling victim in the water.
As well all candidates must be able to detect a struggling victim in the water by having 20/20 corrected vision, and 20/40 uncorrected vision, along with passing a hearing test.
Lifeguard Certification
Obtaining a lifeguard position is not an easy task. Everyone must attend lifeguard courses that teach you the skills needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Participants will be trained and certified in CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO), and First Aid care for injuries and sudden illness until EMS (emergency services) take over.
You will also practice using life-saving flotation devices like rescue tubes to help struggling swimmers. You will be properly trained in using back boards to help move people who may have injured their spines, and CPR barrier devices called face shields. Face shields are placed over the victim’s mouth during CPR, to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases via bodily fluids. Pool guards will also be taught how to communicate with a whistle while on duty.
Lifeguard Certification Cost
No matter the type of lifeguarding you choose, you must pass job specific certification classes. The American Red Cross, National Aquatic Safety, and the YMCA provide training courses for non-surf guards. Lifeguard training can cost anywhere from $125-$300 and can last from 21 hours-40 hours. Note: state, county and city lifeguard agencies provide their own training programs.
Lastly, everyone will be administered a qualification appraisal interview.
Lifeguard Testing
You will need to pass a job specific written test, as well as a timed swim test. These tests and trainings are to ensure that you are able to provide beach and pool safety, enforce city ordinance laws, and learn how and when to prepare and file reports. Note: Lifeguard testing and tryouts differ between states and agencies, and some begin their testing as early as February, so they can spend their Spring Break doing more intense certification training.
Lifeguard Recertification
It is best not let your lifeguard certification expire, or you will have to repeat the entire process again. Lifeguard retesting is designed to inform you of the latest and most up to date lifeguarding techniques, to keep the people around you safe. Most lifeguard certifications only last one to five years.
If lifeguarding is still interesting to you, then start preparing now. Get in the water; work on your swim strokes and endurance. Next up in this series, “what to expect at lifeguard tryouts”.
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!
California’s beautiful State Parks encompass over 900 miles of ocean coastlines plus thousands of miles of reservoir, lake and river shorelines. Thousands of lifeguards protect these water sources, to ensure the safety of the 50 million people, that travel to these parks each year. California’s State Parks employ around 600 seasonal lifeguards each summer. And each of these lifeguards have completed lifeguard training, certification and testing programs. Note: These programs are not swim classes, they can be seriously physically and mentally challenging.
