The beach is full of people, tourists, locals, professionals, and true watermen. Tourists flood to the beach with cars and wagons piled high with ice chests, towels, chairs and huge umbrellas or shade tents. Tourists wear different clothes; they do different things and have different needs at the beach then the locals, professionals or true watermen. Tourists can be honeymooners, families full of kids, retirees, or tourist from different parts of the country or those from different counties. Each person is unique but they all have the same desires, a happy, safe, fun time at the beach. We have watched decades of people flock to the beach and in doing so have compiled a list of essentials for newbies and tourists heading to the beach.
1) Sunscreen
The number one essential is a great sunscreen. Sunscreen selections can be overwhelming. There are so many choices, UV factors, ingredients, spray-on vs. wipe-on, waterproof or not, and lotions vs. oils. Sunscreen can be a waste of money if it washes off immediately when you go in the water. Get a good sunscreen like SolRx. SolRX was voted best in its class. SolRX sunscreen is medical grade zinc based formula that goes on quick and will last 8 hours with one single application. SolRX sunscreen doesn’t clog the pores like some of the thick and greasy lotions and spray-ons. SolRX is recommended by dermatologists for those with acne or sensitive skin. It is both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. It protects baby soft skin as well as aging skin. It doesn’t run and burn the eyes when exposed to the water.
2) Retro Swim Trunks
So, you’re not into the classic board short, try retro swim trunks. Retro swim trunks offer 2 side-seam pockets with mesh gussets for stream lined water flow, so your pockets don’t fill with water and pull your trunks off. The mesh gussets also release air so you don’t get that big balloon look. There are different kinds of mesh liners, rough and brassy and the silky, soft Cool-Plus liners that take the Retro Swim trunks to the highest-level of comfort. The liners are ultra comfortable, supply super support and they wick away moisture, keeping you dry and high. The waist band is elastic and holds up in the waves.
3) Rashguards
Don’t take your kids to the beach in an old t-shirt. They fill with water and can drag your child down in the water. Cotton t-shirts stretch and tangle up in their legs make movement difficult. Sand slips in between the cotton woven fabric and causes terrible rashes on many parts of your child’s body. Rashguards are tightly woven, light weight, breathable, super quick drying beach shirts. Most provide UV protection and some give a rash free guarantee.
Kids also need other things such as swimsuits and hats. Check out the Jr. lifeguard selection of beach wear, it has everything needed to outfit children with top notch, high quality gear that is made to stay up, stay-on, and has UV protection built in.
4) Stingray Kit
There has been an influx of stingrays this year. Be sure to shuffle your feet while you are in the water. If stung get the person’s foot into very hot water immediately. Stingray kits are perfect and easy to use in such an emergency. The stingray kit contains everything you need to make sure the stung person goes without 6 hours of excruciating pain. The stingray kit is light weight and convenient to carry. Every parent should have one.
5) Hats
Besides a huge umbrella, you need shade to stop the sun from beating down on the top your head. A hat also helps block UV rays, as well as sand glare. We have a great selection of hats. They have a variety of comfortable baseball style hats with terrific beach logos. Check out the snapback, trucker and 5 panel style hats. If you want more protection try a Tonga hat, La Palapa hat or Guard Flex visor.
6) Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a personal choice. Make sure they wrap around your eyes and don’t leave areas in which the sun can sneak in and damage your eyes. Spend some money and get glasses that have both 400 UV protection and UVB protection. Polarized glasses reduce the glare coming off the asphalt, sand and water.
These essentials will ensure you have a fun, safe day at the beach. We strive to supply all beachgoers with the perfect gear for the beach.
In the Beginning: Lifeguard Equipment and Clothing
Back in 1913 the beach lifeguards would row a small wooden rescue boat from the beach through the rolling surf to pull the stricken swimmers from the water. Rowing boats through waves and surf was slow and dangerous for both the lifeguard and the drowning victims. Throughout the last 100 years’ lifeguard clothing as well as lifeguard equipment has evolved into the efficient safe lifeguard products we have today.
Rescue Buoys
Rescue Can
In the beginning lifeguards had basic equipment. Lifeguard rescue buoys were made out of metal. One lifeguard in the 1940s had to be rescued himself after the swimmer he was helping let go of the buoy and a wave sent it into the back of his head, knocking him out. The rescue buoys were also constructed of aluminum wood, cork or fiberglass with rope handles. The lifeguard industry has come a long way in the manufacturing of rescue gear.
Present day rescue buoys are called rescue tubes and sometimes rescue torpedoes. They are hollow, made of soft vinyl not metal, and shaped like a torpedo. These rescue tubes can easily be wrapped around the victim for safe return to the shore.
Today, lifeguards also have rescue cans that are made of plastic, and buoyant enough to support the lifeguard along with several victims. The rescue can is more buoyant then the rescue tube, but also more hazardous in rough surf conditions, because of its hardness, rigidity and inability to actually wrap around the distressed victim.
The rescue can has several hand-holds molded into the side rails for the drowning victim to grab, and hold on to, as the lifeguard tows them to safety. Another great feature of the rescue can, is that it can be connected to the shore by a rope, and the victim can be pulled to safety from the shore.
Both products have a long leash that is worn over the shoulder of the lifeguard as the victim is towed to rescue. The rescue cans and rescue tubes are usually red or orange. These rescue tubes and cans must be carried by the lifeguard at all times.
Swim Fins
Da Fins Swim Fins
Lifeguards must be in great shape, as well as outstanding swimmers to pull drowning victims from the zigzagging troughs, and rip currents that drag swimmers out into deeper water. But pure strength wasn’t always enough, so in the early 1960s lifeguards began wearing swim fins. These fins provide the lifeguards with more torque and speed for the rescue, therefore enabling them to reach the victim quicker, and allowing the guard to tow swimmers to safety more easily.
There are many different kinds of swim fins to choose from in our lifeguard store. The number one choice of lifeguards and watermen across the planet is the Da Fin. The Da Fins most outstanding feature is that they float, many other brands have been lost because they stink. Da Fins have traction that will keep you from slipping on the rocks that line jetties. Many other fins are hard and stiff, making them extremely difficult to put on, Da Fin are soft and pliable, so they slip on quick and easily. As well, Da Fins have been engineered for excellent acceleration, maneuverability, and tracking.
Rashguards and Surf Shirts
Rashguard Long Sleeve Navy
In the beginning lifeguards had no protection except heavy cotton outer garments during cold and windy weather. Quick drying materials hadn’t been invented. Muscles got cold and cramped while making rescues. As time went on and man-made materials were invented, the creation of wetsuits and drysuits were thought to be the answer for protecting Lifeguards from the elements. But Lifeguards didn’t have time to complete the tedious job of putting on a wetsuit or drysuit before jumping into the water for a rescue. Now with the development of the rashguards and surf shirts, both female and male lifeguards have access to a comfortable layer of warmth between them and the sand, water or wind. Rashguards come in long and short sleeves, and can be worn as a shirt, so there’s no time wasted getting to the rescue. They are made of Polyester or a Nylon Xtra Life Lyrca blends. They are designed with special fabric to stop rashes, and have a UPF sun protection of 50+. They are so comfortable, lifeguards can sit in their towers for hours with them on, as well as surf, paddle and exercise in them. Rashguards and surf shirts are lightweight, super quick drying, ultra soft, have exceptional breathability, are hydrophobic, and water resistant. The difference between rashguards and surf shirts is that rashguards fit like a second skin, giving your muscles more warmth and support. The surf shirt is much looser, and more like a real shirt, that you would wear out and about beyond the water.
Board Short Liners
Board Short Liner Navy
Having trouble with your lower half being cold? Board short Liners can be worn under your boardshorts or by themselves. Boardshort Liners are streamlined with low-drag. All board short liners are super comfy, durable, breathable, and quick drying.
Boardshorts
Board Shorts Navy
If you don’t need the complete protection from the compression try boardshorts with CoolPlus liners. Our version of boardshorts, Watermen shorts, will also help keep your bottom end warmer, but with more room to breathe on a hot humid day. Boardshorts are made for both men and women. The CoolPlus liners supply extra warmth, and also prevent chafing when running. They are made with a special blend of polyester and spandex that wick away the moisture, keeping you dry and supported.
Staying fit, safe, warm and alert is possible thanks to the new technologies in lifeguard equipment and lifeguard clothing. Original Watermen, a company created by Lifeguards, for Lifeguards, supplying quality lifeguard products to millions of lifeguards all over the world.
Here is a list of beach and safety essentials put together by a professional lifeguard. To date, most of the “What to take to the beach?” lists say the same thing, that is why our lifeguards have come up with a comprehensive list we guarantee, you never thought of. And for your convenience, everything is easily found within our lifeguard store.
Prepare for Everything
1) Sting Rays
Every family needs to carry a Stingray Kit with them to the beach, which can be purchases at our lifeguard store. Lifeguards report hundreds of stingray stings all along the coast, thus are warning swimmers to beware of the stingrays when entering the water. Though sting rays are not aggressive, beachgoers are stung by accident more often than you can imagine. Stingray stings are one of the most common dive and beach-related injuries. And if you have ever experienced the sting, you know it needs to be taken care of immediately. The excruciating pain if left unattended will put down even the toughest individual for 6-8 hours.
What should you expect if stung?
The person feels an immediate, sharp, excruciating pain that peaks in 1-2 hours. The wound bleeds. The wounded area may become swollen and may turn blue or red. Lymph nodes may become swollen.
Serious symptoms:jo8
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
muscle cramps
tremors
paralysis
fainting
seizures
elevated heart rate
decreased blood pressure
Death may even occur, so fast action is needed. By using a Portable Ray RX Stingray Kit from our lifeguard store, you can stop symptoms before they start.
2) Drowning
Lifeguards always say, “Don’t drown your kids with standard heavy cotton t-shirts”, these tend to become heavy and bothersome while swimming. Instead we recommend Rashguards (Surf Shirts), they are light weight and breathable. Rashguards are used by lifeguards and the public against rashes caused by abrasions and nasty sunburns from extended exposure to the sun. Rashguards can be worn by themselves, or under a wetsuit.
3) Rashes
Combining sand, sun, and salt water with surfboards, life vests, or wetsuits create the perfect environment for beastly beach rash. Again, in the lifeguard store our Rashguards or surf shirts provide a barrier between the rash causing elements.
Our lifeguard store also has lower body rashguards. You can wear them under boardshorts, wetsuits or by themselves. At Original Watermen, we created the watermen short (our version of compressions shorts), where we offer a rash-free guarantee, as it is made with antimicrobial odor eliminating fabric.
4) Jelly Fish
Lifeguards deal with jelly fish stings daily. Jelly fish are unseen in the approaching wave; therefore, stings are a common. The tentacles trailing from the jellyfish body inject you with venom from small barbed stingers. Jellyfish stings vary greatly in severity. Getting stung results in immediate pain and red marks on the skin. Some jellyfish stings may cause illness and in rare cases jellyfish stings can cause death. Protection can be improved by putting on a rashguard life the ones we carry at our lifeguard store.
Jelly fish sting
First and foremost, seek emergency medical help if you feel you are having a severe allergic reaction, if the sting is from a box jellyfish or if the sting covers more than half an arm or leg.
What should you do once stung?
Get out of the water
Remove all tentacles by scraping the affected area with a credit card
Immerse the affected arm or leg immediately in hot water for at least twenty minutes
This is another instance where the sting ray kit from our lifeguard store can help, as it contains a self-contained heating system.
Rinse the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds (If vinegar is not available make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply over the affected area)
5) Sun Danger
Of course, you need sun protection in and out of the water. At the lifeguard store we offer Solrx sunscreen. Solrx was voted best in its class, and lasts 8 hours with one single application, plus it stays on in the water. Solrx sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists and is both hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
Don’t forget your hats
We have a wide variety of hats in our lifeguard store. Not only do hats protect your face from the bad (UV) rays of the sun, but a hat also protects your eyes, ears and the top of your head from disease and skin cancer. Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
How does the sun affect you?
UV rays radiate from the sun and come from many directions and are reflected from the ground, water, snow, sand and other bright surfaces. Sun damage to eyes occurs even on cloudy days as the sun’s rays pass through haze and thin clouds. Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing a hat and sunglasses. In our lifeguard store, we have a quiver of hats, which offer you an array of options, for any day and any condition.
Now you have a complete list of essential equipment needed for a safe day at the beach, and all can be quickly found on our Original Watermen website and lifeguard store.
Some of the earliest known lifeguard equipment has been around since the early 1900s. One of the most staple pieces of lifeguard equipment, the lifeguard rescue tube or can is a piece that in 1919 was called the Walters Torpedo buoy. It was named after its inventor, Henry Walters, a member of the Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps.
Lifeguard Rescue Tubes/Cans/Buoys
Lifeguard rescue tubes sometimes call rescue cans or buoys are flotation devices that make water rescues easier. The essential marine rescue tube supports both the victim and rescuers weight during the rescue. Lifeguards are required to have their rescue tube within arms distance at all times. In an emergency, the lifeguard will grab their rescue tube and their rescue fins as they run to assist the victim.
No doubt the lifeguard rescue tube is one of the most famous pieces of lifeguard. The lifeguard rescue tube was used during World War II by the Germans. These rescue tubes or cans were scattered and tossed into the English Channel for downed Luftwaffe flyers. These rescue tubes saved many German airmen. The rescue tube has been modified over the years. It was redesigned back in 1960 and has been the fundamental lifesaving tool for conscious multiple victim rescues ever since. The rescue tubes are still the number one piece of lifeguard equipment used throughout the world.
Lifeguard Fins
Doubtful a day goes by that you see a lifeguard without this piece of lifeguard equipment; lifeguard fins are designed for greater propulsion through the water with minimal effort. Leonardo da Vinci was a true Watermen and thought the human feet were too small to be useful in water so toyed with the idea of a swim fin. But it was Benjamin Franklin who made a pair of wooden hand fins as a young boy. In 1914 the modern swim fins were invented by a Frenchmen Louis de Corlieu, a Lieutenant Commander in the French Navy. After leaving the Navy in 1924 he spent the next 9 years developing and perfecting two fins for the feet and two spoon shaped fins for the hands. He patented these two unique fins and when translated from French the fins were called, swimming and rescue propulsion devices.
The present day legendary fin is now constructed and shaped for maximum surf performance from dual density rubber with a soft rubber foot pocket and a stiff blade. Lifeguard rescue fins are non-marking and full-floating, and are hydro-dynamically designed for greater propulsion. Lifeguard fins typically have a shorter blade, grip for jetty rescues and floats well. Lifeguards have been known to run in deep sand with this fin. Duck Feet lifeguard fins are also highly acclaimed and a coveted fin since its inception from SEALS to the seasoned beach lifeguards.
Our favorite lifeguard swim fin here at Original Watermen is Da Fins lifeguard swim fin. It is one of the best fins for all beach lifeguard agencies. These fins will actually float and wash in, if lost in the water. Da Fins Work well with jetty rescues and cobble hopping.
Lifeguard Backboards
Finally, probably the most evolved piece of lifeguard equipment is the rescue lifeguard backboard. Its beginning in 1979 has progressed from a slab of wood with sinew leather straps to secure the injured victim, to a heavy-duty polyethylene shell, that is x-ray translucent. The early rescue backboards, or sometimes called spine boards were constructed of cheap, poorly sealed, porous wood. The inexpensive sheets of plywood also absorbed fluids, so with the rise of HIV and other infectious diseases, plastic and aluminum three-part composite boards were created.
Is your lifeguard equipment outdated and of poor or unacceptable quality? Or is your lifeguard equipment in need of replacement? If you answered yes to either of those questions, take some time to visit our lifeguard store, and update your lifeguard equipment. At Original Watermen, we carry everything you need, as we were created by lifeguards, for lifeguards.
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.
Want to save the entire ship population and all the family members from a lifetime of pain? Add lifeguards. There were numerous cruise ship drowning last year with almost equal amounts of near-drownings. This does not count those who drowned on the ships scheduled excursions.
The ships lifesaving equipment is limited mostly to a lifesaving ring situated somewhere around poolside or perhaps if you are lucky there might be a lifesaving hook nearby also. This is not enough. You need an actual trained professional lifeguard with the correct equipment always available scanning the pool continually. Many ships aboard children drown due to lack of supervision and distractions. We need actual trained professional guards on duty at all public pools, whether on a ship, at a school or in a park.
Cruise ship pools aren’t safe. Firstly, you can have very crowded pools, filled with a wide variety of people varying in age and activity levels. You may have the mature swimmers who are happily splashing around or relaxing in the vibrant turquoise water. These mature swimmers are a bit less stable and less agile as they once were and can slip, fall or just need an immediate helping hand to save them from an on board catastrophe. Or the super athletes swimming their daily workout or the very young wildly active people without a care in the world or a large pack of non-swimmers, who are all in the pool together. The entire group is trying to navigate around the pool and through the crowds of people, while keeping an eye out for the surprise deep end drop off, as the ship sways side to side, from the swells in the ocean. Combine that mixture with drunk swimmers, or drunk preoccupied parents and you are in for a disaster at sea. A fun filled holiday turns into a nightmare and that treasured family moment is lost forever.
Original Watermen is by far the best place to seek that essential lifesaving equipment. The Original Watermen lifeguard store has quality lifesaving equipment such as professional trauma bags, rescue cans, rescue tubes, backboards or spine-boards. They also have a wide selection of official lifeguard clothing at their one stop shopping lifesaving company, which is owned and operated by professional lifeguards.
The beach is full of people, tourists, locals, professionals, and true watermen. Tourists flood to the beach with cars and wagons piled high with ice chests, towels, chairs and huge umbrellas or shade tents. Tourists wear different clothes; they do different things and have different needs at the beach then the locals, professionals or true watermen. Tourists can be honeymooners, families full of kids, retirees, or tourist from different parts of the country or those from different counties. Each person is unique but they all have the same desires, a happy, safe, fun time at the beach. We have watched decades of people flock to the beach and in doing so have compiled a list of essentials for newbies and tourists heading to the beach.
3) Rashguards
