Select Page
So, You Want to Be a Lifeguard? Certification and Testing

So, You Want to Be a Lifeguard? Certification and Testing

lifeguard equipment, watermen gear, original watermen,  lifeguard gear, lifeguard trainingCalifornia’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 – are responsible 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”.

lifeguard equipment, watermen gear, original watermen,  lifeguard gear, lifeguard training

How to Keep Warm After Getting out of the Water?

How to Keep Warm After Getting out of the Water?

Hoodies, jackets, watermen warmth, Original Watermen Jackets, stay salty, earn your salt, Original watermen ApperalHoodies, Jackets and Sweatpants

Whether you are waiting for a rescue, your competition to begin, or you have just completed your event, there are a variety of hoodies, windbreakers and sweatpants to keep you warm and help get rid of the after chill. Here are some of our favorites.

Humboldt Hoodie

Say you are lobster diving from your kayak, and the water temperature drops, and your body is racked with chills, so it’s time to return to shore. You strip off your damp or wet clothes and want to put on something super soft and warm, we suggest reaching for a Humboldt Hoodie. Humboldt Hoodies are much thicker than your average weight cotton hoodies. The Humboldt hoodie is like wrapping yourself in a fleece blanket. It’s made to fit comfortable, so you can easily layer up. It has a zipper instead of being a pullover keeping your wet from soaking the fleece. It is electronic reach with headphone eyelet and an inside media pocket, it even has thumbholes in the cuffs.

K-38 Jacket

How about if the wind is blowing off the mid-February ocean water, and it’s raining lightly while you are warming up for that long open water swim. Your sweatshirt has gotten heavy and saturated with rain. Your phone no longer works because it too is soaked. This would have been the ideal opportunity for a K-38 Jacket instead of your cotton sweatshirt. The K-38 Jacket is made with 100% waterproof nylon and water resistant seams. The front snaps are great for that quick release right before your race starts keeping your muscles warm until the last minute, before you enter the icy water. And if you sweat a lot, this jacket has underarm grommets for ventilation, which allow you to set the temperature you desire inside your jacket.

Watermen Shepra Hoodie

Picture, you just got out of the frigid water after windsurfing at the Columbia Gouge in Oregon. You’ve been pounded by the chilly east wind for hours, your cold, your muscles are sore. This is the perfect time for a Watermen Shepra Hoodie to be waiting for you on the beach. The Sherpa Hoodie is a super thick soft sheep like fleece lined jacket. The Sherpa Hoodie even has fleece lined pockets for those cold cramping hands to thaw quickly.

Baja Hoodie

The whale sharks are in Baja this time of the year. The water is still warm and swimming without a wetsuit is a dream. As the sun sets and the whale shark scouting is finished for the night. In typical Baha fashion the wind kicks up lowering the temperature around you and you need to put on a light jacket. The Baja Hoodie is a mid-weight cotton jacket that is perfect for the pre-winter weather.

Watermen Pant

When your body is wet, your clothes will stick to you, making it difficult to pull on a pair of pants. The Watermen pant is different, there is no pant like it. It’s like a sweatpants, but not exactly. These pants are built to last and are made in the USA from 100% heavy-duty preshrunk cotton. They are chosen by watermen and lifeguards across the globe for their exceptional comfort, fit, and extra deep pockets and worn on dawn patrol, workouts, training, or whatever. The Waterman Pant has an elastic waist and draw cord for quick and easy removal. Choose from two types of cuff: with elastic for a more casual look, or without elastic for a more dress look. Don’t leave home without them!

We know the importance of being prepared mentally and physically, so we design equipment and clothes that withstand the elements. The wrong gear can mean injures or even death, so it is best to be prepared.

Hoodies, jackets, watermen warmth, Original Watermen Jackets, stay salty, earn your salt, Original watermen Apperal, watermen pants

How to Stay Warm in Cold Water – rescues, swimming, spearfishing, sailing, kayaking and more!

How to Stay Warm in Cold Water – rescues, swimming, spearfishing, sailing, kayaking and more!

cold water, warm water gear, stay salty, earn your salt, original watermen

How can they do it with no wetsuit? How can people will themselves to take off their clothes and get into frigid water? Are they crazy?

Cold water, cold weather and cold bodies, nothing stops the true watermen. Lifeguards and Coast Guards must perform dangerous cold-water – sometimes even icy – winter rescues and participate in winter try-outs and practice rescues all year long. As well, tri-athletes, competitors and adventurous individuals frequently brave the frigid waters.

Sometimes a wetsuit won’t work or doesn’t make sense depending on the activity or sport involved. According to a longtime friend, watermen and professional California State lifeguard, a wetsuit just doesn’t make sense, “if you want to get to the water in 5 to 10 seconds”. In some sports and competitions, a wetsuit isn’t worn unless absolutely necessary because it slows you down and restricts range of motion, both inside and outside the water.

So how do Watermen enter the bitter cold water to swim, sail, kayak, ride, spearfish, dive or do a multitude of other sports without hesitation, you ask; well here is how.

Keeping warm in cold water comes down to wearing the right protective layers such as compression shorts and a long-sleeved rashguard. It really helps to acclimate to the water temp, but that’s not always applicable/possible. Lifeguards going out on an emergency rescue don’t have time to squeeze into a wetsuit. Although watermen in a sailboat, kayak or SUP aren’t inside the water, the Watermen compression shorts will block the bitter wind and splashes to prevent stiffening muscles and even cramps.

Cover Your Upper Body

Watermen yearn for warmth without losing mobility or speed. Covering your body is the key to cold water performance (& survival!). Cover your upper torso with a rashguard. A rashguard holds a little heat close to your body and blocks constant bouts of cold water. It keeps the muscles warm to prevent cramps and muscle weariness, and helps with muscle support. They also help prevent abrasions caused from boards, life vests or wetsuits. Original Watermen rashguards allow a full range of motion for paddling or swimming, while guaranteeing rash free protection because they’re built with breathable, soft, 4-way stretchy AquaFast Extra Life Lycra and low-profile flat-locked seams. They come in short or long sleeves.

Another way to stay warm is by wearing surf shirts, which are similar rashguards but looser fitting.  Our rashguards and surf shirts are hydrophobic, quick drying and water repellant. Layer the rashguard or surf shirt with a wetsuit, dry suit or a survival suit.

 We also make these for your little ones. Rashguards and surf shirts will keep your child from suffering blue lips after swimming. Not only will it keep your kids warm, but also provide sun protection UPF 50+. The surf shirts are made with special looser fitting fabric giving kids a t-shirt like feel. No more rashes from boogie boards or sand. Note: surf shirts are made with chlorine-block material making them great for swimming pools.

cold water, warm water gear, stay salty, earn your salt, original watermen, compression shorts, watermen linersCover the Lower Half                      

Watermen never forget the lower half of their body, and Watermen compression shorts are their go-to. Wear these amphibious men’s compression shorts on their own or use them as boardshort liners since they slide easily under almost anything.

Not all compression shorts are made the same. Our compression shorts are made to be used in the water as well as on land, and they are perfect for people with active lifestyles. These low-drag compression shorts streamline your body, shaving time off your rescues and races. The tight-fit compression offers more benefits in addition to extra support and warmth. Compression shorts boost athletic performance by improving blood flow which helps reduce muscle fatigue and promote faster muscle recovery.

Are there compression shorts for children? Our “junior”-sized compression shorts range from small to large, so your child no longer has to worry about sand gathering in their cotton underwear leaving them wet and cold, and/or causing rashes.

*Bonus*: if you are a year-round lifeguard or want to get serious in a year-round water sport, you may want to consider neoprene socks (& hoods). Exposure to cold water often results in a throbbing feeling, but having neoprene on your feet allows you to slowly adjust to the temperature without any painful annoyance. Even professional racers use neoprene socks, though it is suggested to take them off once your body has adjusted to the current water temperature.

ACCLIMATE when Possible

If you’re exercising or competing inside the water, it’s really helpful to acclimate your body to the water temps before you go 100%. When you first dive in keep your body moving with swift/quick movements and it will get used to the cold. Give yourself minimum of 10-15 minutes to fully warm-up before hitting full throttle. Unless you’ve practiced cold water entries, it’s best not to dive, jump or run into the water until your body has warmed up and adjusted.

Rashguards, cold water, warm water gear, stay salty, earn your salt, original watermenSo, stay warm in cold water with Watermen gear! At Original Watermen, we back our products as being the best for creating a feeling of a warm water environment in the most frigid water, and making the highest quality apparel even for the harshest of winter months.

What is the Best Fabric for T-Shirts?

What is the Best Fabric for T-Shirts?

men's surf tee, Original Watermen Tee, watermen gear, stay salty, earn your salt, watermen t-shirtThe origin of the t-shirt

The T-shirt also known as a tee was named after its shape, which resembles the letter T. A t-shirt is normally associated with short sleeves, a round neckline and no collar. T-shirts are generally made of a light, inexpensive fabric, that is easy to clean.

The T-shirt developed from undergarments used in the 19th century, and in the mid-20th century transitioned from undergarment to everydat casual clothing.

Original Watermen t-shirt

Our men’s t-shirts, and women’s t-shirts are geared towards an audience of the rough and wild, masters of their sport, and the extremist, where age and sex do not matter. Our motto has always been; “Earn Your Salt” in honor of those who have given their lives to living in the water.

Original Watermen equips incredible athletes, and we want every athlete to be as comfortable as possible, from their t-shirt style, to their fabric. That said, not all fabric is created equal

T-shirt fabric

What the men or women’s t- shirt is made of makes all the difference in the world. You might have a great logo but it’s the fabric that determines the true shape, the durability, the softness, and wearabilty of the tee. The fabric decides whether you look like a sweating pig, or a wet mop. The fabric decides, if after one wash it shrinks to fit your hamster or becomes lopsided and stretched out of shape. The fabric decides if the t-shirt neck falls so low, that it might fit the incredible hulk.

Ring Spun t-shirt fabric

The cotton t-shirt has evolved from the heavy, scratchy, shapeless fabric to the butter soft touch of Ring Spun material. Fabric that has been Ring Spun goes through an elaborate spinning process. As each thread spins it straightens and softens the fiber. This spinning process produces a fiber that can be woven tighter. The higher the thread count the softer the material, so when you compare t-shirt thread counts, traditional cotton t-shirts weigh in at 18, where a ring spun t-shirt weighs in at the 30 range.  The end process results in an excellent quality breathable knit men’s t-shirt or women’s t-shirt that has a great high-end feel. This fabric is more lightweight, more durable, smoother, it shrinks less and tends to last longer than your average 100% cotton t-shirts. Quality t-shirts like these are used in high end businesses, and that is why we sell them. The Essentials, the Yellowfin and Fish Bone t-shirts are fantastic examples of 100% super soft Ring Spun t-shirts.

Tri-blend t-shirt fabric

The other process of a quality men’s t-shirt, or women’s t-shirt blends three different materials together to produce one great one. Tri-blends include a blend of 25% rayon, 25% polyester, and 50% cotton. Blending the three fabrics creates an incredibly soft, better stretching material that hangs perfectly, and looks and feels the same wash after wash. Compare the original 100% cotton t-shirt to a cheap set of bed sheets, and the Tri-blend t-shirt to very expensive 1800 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.

Cotton, polyester, and rayon tri-blends are the best of all worlds. In the perfect blend, the cotton allows the t-shirt to breathe and prevents heat from being trapped between the fabric and your skin. The polyester helps create a strong resilient t-shirt that is wrinkle resistant and moisture wicking. Rayon adds an amazingly soft drape causing the

t-shirt to look better on more body types than any other fabric. Tri-blends are so sought after that it’s no wonder that the Singlefin t-shirt, the Earn Your Salt t-shirt and the Patch t-shirt are in such high demand. Ring Spun and Tri-Blend processes offer up the perfect men’s t-shirt or women’s t-shirt for anyone, even if you aren’t an athlete.

Original Watermen Tee, watermen gear, stay salty, earn your salt, watermen t-shirt

 

So You Want To Be A Lifeguard? Things to Consider Before You Apply

So You Want To Be A Lifeguard? Things to Consider Before You Apply

lifeguard, beaches, saftly, original watermen, lifeguard uniforms

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.

As always, the Original Watermen lifeguard store provides quality lifeguard wear for yourself, above and below the water.

lifeguard unifroms, compression shorts, original watermen, lifeguard gear

How The Right Boardshort Liners Helps With Wetsuits in Colder Months

How The Right Boardshort Liners Helps With Wetsuits in Colder Months

Boardshort Liners, Watermen Shorts, Compression Shorts, Original WatermenThe right boardshort liners underneath your wetsuit can make a huge difference in the colder months. Original Watermen Boardshort liners give your waterman an extra layer of warmth.  One extra layer heating up your engine can take you the extra mile.

 

The Watermen shorts are boardshort liners that are breathable, eco-friendly soft lycra made from recycled fishing nets. These boardshort liners are made by Watermen for Watermen. As keepers of the ocean, we understand the impact we make and we do our best to mitigate those effects. The Watermen Short is eco-friendly and made from recycled fishing nets. You will have a clear conscience and clear of rashes, while rocking these bad boys. Original Watermen continues to set the bar high with quality craftsmanship when making their products. The Watermen Shorts are no exception, as they’re made with ultra-soft, breathable Lycra®. Combine this comfort and sustainability with the draw-cord waist and you won’t have any reason to ever take these boardshort liners off.

 

Don’t let your muscles catch a chill underneath your wetsuits. If you’re really getting after then you’re destined to get some water flushing through your suit. We want to encourage that charging attitude so instead of second guessing a knifing drop because of the cold water, go for it and know that board short liners are solid backup plan to getting some integral pieces warm.

 

Not only are the watermen shorts perfect for layering under your wetsuit, they also aid in the treacherous changing process. When it’s cold outside, you want to spend the least amount of time in the low temps, especially in your bare skin. If you are already prepped in your board short liners, the changing process will be done in record speed. You’ll be toasty and getting spit out of tubes before your mates can even get themselves zipped up.

 

These boardshort liners are optimal for layering and giving you core warmth in the colder months. They fit like a second-skin, so you get the added warmth without the weight. Stay light and fluid in the Watermen shorts.

Watermen Liners, Comression Shorts, Original Watermen,

Watermen Liners

Pin It on Pinterest