Most commonly, lifeguards will be wearing red as it is a colour that is easy to spot even from far away. Red is also internationally recognized as a rescue colour. However, with times changing, the variety of the colours lifeguards wear grows.

Where does the colour red for lifeguards stem from?

Lifeguards have been around for quite a while now.

Back in the 1930s, when lifeguards were first introduced, people in swimming areas would wear less vibrant colours; thus, a lifeguard wearing red would stand out. In current times, with fashion evolving, you will see every colour in the rainbow, and so alternative colours for lifeguards have come about. Colours such as yellow, orange and some variations of the colour blue are becoming more popular in the lifeguard uniform.

Why do all lifeguards have to wear the same coloured uniform?

As with all uniforms, lifeguards are all dressed in the same colour, whether navy, yellow, red or orange, to be easily identified. It is not only for the people swimming to identify lifeguards but also for lifeguards to identify each other.

What are the duties of a lifeguard?

The first and most obvious duty is to rescue anyone who may be in potential danger. This also includes communicating to bathers what is allowed and not allowed. A whistle can be used to make bathers aware of their wrong actions. This is also part of their responsibility to prevent any possible danger.

Lifeguards are trained to give immediate first aid and initiate any other emergency action if needed.

Full attention is always required; lifeguards must always be on high alert to spring into action as quickly as possible.

Where can lifeguards be found patrolling?

A red over yellow flag identifies a swimming area patrolled by a lifeguard. Lifeguards can not only be found patrolling swimming pools, as it is required by law for all swimming pools to be patrolled by a lifeguard. Big bodies of water sometimes will also be under lifeguard supervision, whether it be sea, ocean or lake. Just look out for the red over yellow flag, and you will be safe.

What do the different flags lifeguards use mean?

Lifeguards use flags to signal swimmers about any danger, dangerous areas and their presence.

Red over yellow: The lifeguard is on duty. As previously mentioned, this flag signifies that a lifeguard supervises the area.

Red: High hazard; this means that swimming is discouraged. This could be due to weather conditions or dangerous animals in this area, such as sharks or jellyfish.

Yellow: Medium hazard, only people who are experienced swimmers are allowed to swim; proceed with caution.

Green: Swimming is safe to all types of swimmers.

Purple: Marine pests are present, primarily jellyfish. In some countries where the marine animals may be hazardous to swimmers, for example, if the water is infested with sharks, the red flag will be shown.

Black and white(checkered): No swimming allowed. Watercraft (boats, jets etc.) are used in this area, so swimmers are not allowed to swim there.

Yellow with black dot in the middle: No watercraft are allowed to be used in this area. The use of watercraft will be prohibited.

Lifeguards have been helping people, rescuing and preventing potential danger for a while now. Currently, they still serve the purpose of maintaining a safe environment for people to swim in. Even if sometimes lifeguards may seem a bit strict, it is all done to keep everybody safe. So for your safety, try to continuously swim in an area with a red over yellow flag so you know your safety is ensured.

Lifeguard Services

Lifeguard services provide an easy way to hire a fully qualified lifeguard for permanent, short and long-term hire. We offer an easy way to make sure your allocated water is in safe hands. We can come to your school, outdoor event, party and more. To find out more and book please see our booking page.