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.
Men’s Boardshorts & Women’s Swimsuits – Have the Right Threads?
Looking for board shorts and swim suits that are made with all the right stuff? No matter what, our swimwear has come a long way from the days of vintage swim trunks, but that could mean a lot of different things depending on what you need and like. Below, we’ve elaborated on the various materials used in our men’s boardshorts and performance women’s swimsuits, the benefits they offer and the issues they address.
Diamond Dobby -The Bondi Boardshorts Have It All
Original Watermen’smen’s Bondi boardshorts are the most revolutionary boardshorts on the market. The diamond dobby material alone stakes this claim.
Royal Blue Bondi men’s board shorts
Diamond dobby is a rip stop material with a super flexible 4-way stretch. The ripstop prevents runs, tears and rips in case your board shorts get snagged. Most other materials when will almost surely run, fray and continue making an unstoppable hole in your board shorts. The superb 4-way flex allows the freedom of movement no matter how you are using your board shorts.
Not to mention, these men’s boardshorts don’t sacrifice any of the resistance, durability or fast-drying aspects equipped in all of our premier boardshorts. They’re made from the lightest, most durable, fastest drying, most comfortable and high-tech materials in today’s world.
Supplex Soft
Black Original board shorts
For those not interested in stretchy boardshorts, there is no comparing our Original men’s boardshorts and their super soft 100% supplex-nylon to the old school rough, stiff, loud crinkling nylon boardshorts from days gone by. This supplex-nylon blend is an advanced textured fabric that gives you the feel of soft cotton. Yet, unlike cotton, supplex-nylon will help hold the boardshorts’ shape and not stretch out; nor will they fade, shrink or crease. Supplex-nylonis like wearing cotton without the heavy weight and non-drying feel.
Water Weighs You Down
Men, are you over the boardshorts that stick to your legs after getting out of the water? Tired of boardshorts that can take hours to feel dry? Our Supplex-Nylon material is resistant to the penetration of water which prevents the boardshorts from dragging on your legs when wet. It’s different than cotton which traps the moisture and sticks to your skin. Since the Supplex-Nylon is water resistant and doesn’t soak up water, your board shorts feel dry in minutes. It’s water resistant yet breathable, and therefore helps prevents rashes caused by heavy, rough, and water-soaked materials.
Fading and High-Tech Polyester
Whether you are a lifeguard at the pool or the beach – male or female – you want swimsuits that are made from anti-fade fabric. Hours in the sun or chlorine are harsh on both swim suits and lifeguard apparel. The sun and chlorine cause the colors to bleach and the material to weaken. We raise the bar in the watersports & -activity training & lifeguard swimsuit markets with these more advanced blends of sanded polyester.
Royal blue X-Back women’s swimsuit
On the ladies’ side, the X-Back Elite swimsuit for women uses blends of polyester, Spandex, sanded microfiber, supplex and Cool-Plus to create the perfect lifeguard women’s swimsuit. This polyester blend is strong and flexible, and wrinkle and tear resistant. The Women’s X-Back Elite is rated to withstand 300+ plus hours of chlorine and sun abuse. They guarantee it will hold its color. The X-Back Elite women’s swimsuit’s 4-way stretch polyester blend is also breathable and intensely comfortable.
The retro swim trunks for men also boast this soft and durable high-tech hydrophobic polyester/spandex blend on the inside with their Cool-Plus Comfort liners (not mesh!), engineered to keep you cool, comfortable, dry and rash free. The hydrophobic material wicks away the water, drying your shorts ultra-fast. This advanced material comes in the entire line of the Retro Collection!
Xtra LifeLycra – Strengthening Women’s Swimsuits and Men’s Boardshorts.
Xtra Life Lycra is a cutting edge, sustainable techno-fabric that uses the latest yarn and knitting technologies to create the most comfortable, ultra-soft and durable swimwear available today.
We use Xtra Life Lycra fiber in some of their women’s swimsuits and men’s boardshorts to improve their comfort and longevity. These suits with Xtra Life Lycra fiber are twice as strong and resistant to chlorinated water, heat and sunscreen lotions that typically breakdown fibers more quickly causing the material to lose its softness and other qualities. Swimwear that’s protected with Xtra Life Lycra fiber will have no significant fiber breakage even after hundreds of hours of exposure to the elements. And a special blend with nylon helps it not fade from extensive sun exposure.
performance bikini
Our women’s training and rescue bikinis are blended with the fiber technology of Spandex and Xtra Life Lycra which makes their fabrics ultra-soft. We also have Xtra Life Lycra rescue bikinis blended with polyester so they won’t stretch out too much to help support those ladies with a little more curves. These women’s training lifeguard bikinis are free from bunching, sagging and stiffness, and prevent having to be pulled up all day. The material’s fibers also have a run-resistant technology that helps prevent perforations, holes, snags and scratches.
We also use the Xtra Life Lycra on all their men’s boardshorts flies to ensure that ultra-soft feel never goes away in the most delicate of areas.
At Original Watermen, we combine these fabrics to produce men’s and women’s swimwear that is durable, anti-microbial and great at preventing rashes. We use the highest-grade materials and promise our customers comfort, style, and quality. Whether you’re a lifeguard on the beach all day or a surfer catching their morning rides, our swimwear will take you as far as you want to go, and helps you feel and look great before and after you get wet. It’s an investment you won’t regret!
People of all ages and from all walks of life are lifeguards. Lifeguards are needed at pools, lakes, rivers, summer camps and at the beach. Reasons for becoming a lifeguard vary from person to person. Some want to be a guard because it’s great pay in great locations or they consider Lifeguarding a career builder, or others like the prestige. Many believe lifeguarding looks great on college applications. Whatever your reason, there are things you need to know. There’s a lot more to being a lifeguard than soaking up the sun. Lifeguarding requires you be fit, to know how to swim and do it well, you must be able to take command in emergencies situations and provide life-saving first aid and resuscitation. Life saving is not for the meek and mild. That said, read on before committing to taking your lifeguard test.
Training
Physical strength and endurance are required to rescue a struggling victim in the water. Beach Lifeguards compete for their job by completing one or two competitive Open Water swim-run tests. To start training you need the right gear, apparel and lifeguarding equipment, which should always come from a lifeguard store. You must master your swim strokes and train in cold choppy water. Note: Learning to body surf will give you a favorable advantage, helping you beating your opponents to the beach. To get ready for the runs practice sprinting and running long distances. As well, arm and leg strength is important, so lift weights to tone up.
Apparel
The correct apparel can help you complete your trainings and certifications in style and comfort. The Original Waterman lifeguard store was started by lifeguards for lifeguards. Having run the gauntlet themselves they know what you need to be the best.
Compression Shorts
In our lifeguard store we offer compression shorts for lifeguard men and women, and have sizes for those in the junior lifeguard program too. Compression shorts can be worn as jammers for your workouts or underneath as support layers. Compression shorts keep you warmer, give you support and prevent rashes. Compression shorts are streamlined for ultimate water efficiency, shaving time off rescues and your race events. The compression shorts in our lifeguard store also have a double lined front that makes them non-revealing. Because of constant use and the closeness to the body, purchase compression shorts which are made from antimicrobial fabric, it helps eliminate body odor.
Board Shorts
While training for your competitive runs don’t wear those heavy workout shorts instead try wearing lightweight board shorts. In our lifeguard store we sell board shorts with special ultra-durable four-way Flex material. This special material prevents drag on the legs when wet. They also have a soft Lycra fly that prevents rashes. Their brushed waistband won’t stretch out and provides a comfortable streamline fit. Our lifeguard board shorts have an oversized pocket sealed with a Velcro locking Loop closure. The pocket holds most phones so you can listen to music during training sessions.
Rash guards and Surf Shirts
Rash guards are tight fitting, similar to a second skin, providing extra warmth in and out of the water. In our lifeguard store we off lifeguard rash guards that fit snug around the body, using a new compression technology which keeps the muscles fresh and engaged. The tight-fitting Rash guard also provides extra support for female lifeguards while running or swimming to a rescue.
Rash guards fit easily under a wetsuit without bunching up and prevent chafing. To stay rash free and comfortable under the arms look for rash guards with Flatlock seams.
Rash guards provide SPF protection. Ours carry a UPF rating of 50+.
One of the best features is the Aqua Plus fabric. It helps with water repellency causing the water to bead up and roll off the surface giving you the ultimate in quick-dry comfort.
In our lifeguard store, we also have the looser fitting surf shirt is perfect for figures needing a bit more room.
Women Lifeguard Swimming Suits
The first choice you must make is whether you prefer a one piece or two-piece lifeguard swimsuit. With either option the straps must stay snug through the surf and not slip onto your shoulders hindering the full use of your arms. The worst-case scenario would be to have your suit ripped off in big surf. Lifeguard swimsuits should be made of state-of-the-art material. The fabric should be moisture wicking, chlorine proof, durable and able to stand up under extreme conditions. Original Watermen’s women’s lifeguard swimsuits were voted number one for “best fit” back design for staying on through the surf.
At Original Watermen, our lifeguard bathing suits are satisfaction guaranteed. Made by lifeguards, for lifeguards, our suits are tested and proven to be the most durable in the industry. When California lifeguards tell us the most important things they look for with their suits, we make it. Lifeguard bathing suits have remained our specialty since the ’70s, and we continue to evolve, keeping Original Watermen at the forefront of the industry. While some providers haven’t changed their style or updated their fabrics in over a decade, Original Watermen continuously improves each and every design to make sure our agencies are satisfied and receive the most up-to-date comfort.
Our most popular lifeguard bathing suits range from our classic Pro Lifeguard Boardshort to our Watermen Stretch board short – a four-way stretch board short, worn by thousands of lifeguards nationwide. Becoming just as popular, our Retro Boardshort has a 5-inch inseam, is made with 100% Microfiber Polyester, and is made in several bright and industry-related colors. Also, chosen each year for California State Lifeguard Training, our Microshield Pocket Short is regulation at most beaches nationwide. Quick drying and supportive, our lifeguard bathing suitsfor women come in one- and two-piece designs. For women, Original Watermen also has a line of run-swim-run shorts for those very active beach days. Our women’s shorts can be worn solo, but also can be used as a cover-up. Also, instead of nylon, shorts such as our Women’s Pro Boardshort are sanded with polyester microfiber fabric – making it withstand sun and chlorine five times longer than competitor’s shorts.
Lifeguard bathing suits have to be able to withstand the most strenuous circumstances. When your job revolves around the ocean, chlorine and/or sun 14 hours a day, you need to know that your suit isn’t going to fail you. That’s why at Original Watermen, our lifeguard bathing suitesare made with comfort in mind, while also maintaining the durability to not let you, your agency or the public down. Whether it’s lifeguard bathing suits, rash guards, tees, hats, hoodies or equipment, Original Watermen supplies over 1,900 lifeguard agencies around the globe.
Original Watermen can supply any and all of your lifeguard needs, and most of our lifeguard bathing suits can also be embroidered with your agency’s name – just give us a call for more information. To see our full line of lifeguard bathing suits, visit our web site at www.originalwatermen.com or give us a call at 800-414-3181.
At Original Watermen, we understand the Junior Lifeguard program’s importance in teaching kids and teens about ocean and water safety. Junior Lifeguard programs are an awesome way for youth to get involved with beach and ocean skills and safety. Starting as early as the age of 9 in most cities, Junior Lifeguard programs focus on combining education with ocean and sea recreation. Junior Lifeguard programs encourage and teach youth about the ocean environment and how to gain professional lifesaving skills.
Original Watermen works closely with several Junior Lifeguard agencies both locally and nationally. In Southern California alone, we support the Encinitas Junior Lifeguards, City of Oceanside Junior Guards, Carlsbad Junior Guards, San Diego Junior Lifeguards, Imperial Beach Jr. Guards, and Huntington State Junior Guards to name a few. We work especially closely with the Junior Lifeguard program in Encinitas, attending their tryouts during the summer and supplying them with all of their lifeguard swimwear and equipment, which ranges from swimsuits, trunks and rashguards to backpacks, fins and hats.
Any Junior Lifeguardneeds the same quality and comfort during their program as professional lifeguards do. At Original Watermen, our line of Junior Lifeguardapparel and equipment maintains the same top quality suits and trunks as our adult men’s and women’s line. For boys, our Junior Elastic Waist Boardshort is 100% sanded polyester microfiber, features a microshield cargo pocket and is an adjustable fit without an elastic look. Girl Junior Lifeguards can also choose from one- and two-piece designs, just like our women’s line, which provide the same coverage and support. We also carry the Elasta Girl Super Stretch Short in junior sizes, which is made with the same four-way super stretch poly microfiber as in the men and women’s line – and it can be used as a regular short or a cover up.
To check out our full line of Junior Lifeguard suits, trunks, and other equipment, visit www.originalwatermen.com or give a call at 1-760-599-0990. Also, for a full list of the Junior Lifeguard programs Original Watermen works with, check out THE LIST on our web site, or see below:
City of Encinitas Jr. Guards
CA State Jr.Guard-Carlsbad
San Diego Jr. Guards
CA State Jr. Guards –Silverstrand
City of Oceanside Jr. Guards
Sarasota County Jr. Guards
Hollywood, FL Jr. Guards
Ventura Jr. Guards
UC Santa Barbara Jr. Guards
Rehoboth Beach, DE Jr. Guards
City of Santa Cruz Jr. Guards
Santa Cruz State Jr. Guards
Huntington State Jr. Guards
Imperial Beach Jr. Guards
To view our entire lifeguard storeor lifeguard lounge for all type of lifeguard equipment, visit our Web site at www.originalwatermen.com or give a call at 1-760-599-0990.
