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Lifeguard Uniforms and Apparel: Decades of Innovation

Lifeguard Uniforms and Apparel: Decades of Innovation

Watermen Brand Lifeguard Uniforms and Apparel – Decades of Innovation

Watermen Brand is proud of the past few decades spent innovating and refining quality lifeguard uniforms and apparel. They key to our success is quality and feedback. Our lifeguard uniforms and apparel have always been made from the highest quality fabric and materials in the industry. If you have worn Watermen Brand apparel, you know what we are talking about. Year after year, we thrive on the feedback from our customers, most of which are life-saving professionals, using our gear day in and day out. This priceless feedback, combined with our innovative approach, allows us to refine and perfect our products.

Lifeguard Apparel has changed over the years, with the advent of new materials and technology. From 4-way stretch fabric, to antimicrobial / moisture wicking liners, lifeguard shorts and suits are better than they have ever been. In addition to materials, ‘patterns and design’ have modernized the industry, allowing more flexibility and range of movement. However, not all lifeguard clothing stores have invested in this approach, rather, they have focused on the bottom line and overall cost. Here, at Watermen Brand, our mission is not to provide the cheapest product on the market. Rather, we have championed the new wave of materials and design, leading with quality first.

Modern Lifeguard Uniforms and Apparel

For example, our Maverick Men’s Lifeguard Short and our Men’s Rincon Stretch Lifeguard Short embody years of feedback and innovation. Both shorts come with modern, 4 way stretch fabric and antimicrobial Cool-Plus liners. These features combined, allow lifeguards to enjoy rash-free flexibility and support. Click the image below to shop all Men’s Lifeguard Trunks.

Lifeguard uniforms and apparel. Compare quality lifeguard trunks and boardshorts

In addition to Men’s Lifeguard Trunks & Boardshorts, Watermen Brand specializes in Women’s Lifeguard shorts and swimsuits. Similar to the lifeguard shorts above, the Women’s Supergirl Short and Women’s Pro Stretch Boardshort are preferred for female lifeguard uniforms from coast to coast. Durable and flexible, these women’s lifeguard uniforms are made to last through the seasons. Click the image below to shop all women’s shorts.

female lifeguard uniform, lifeguard shorts, womens lifeguard shorts and apparel

Watermen Brand specializes in custom lifeguard uniforms and apparel. Bulk and wholesale pricing available. Call us at 1-800-414-3181 to take advantage of our discounts and deals.

 

 

Watermen Brand

www.watermenbrand.com

Superior Quality Lifeguard Uniforms & Apparel

View our 2023 Lifeguard Uniform Catalog here

 

 

Lifeguard Responsibilities – Why are lifeguards important?

Lifeguard Responsibilities – Why are lifeguards important?

Lifeguard Responsibilities

Lifeguard responsibilities vary from location to location, but all lifeguards play a vital role in ensuring the safety of individuals who visit beaches, swimming pools, and water parks. They are responsible for monitoring swimmers, responding to emergencies, and preventing accidents. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of lifeguards, the significance of their apparel, and the essential equipment they use.

Firstly, lifeguards are essential to ensure the safety of individuals who visit aquatic facilities. They are trained professionals who have the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergencies quickly. Their primary responsibility is to monitor swimmers and identify potential hazards such as rip currents, submerged rocks, or underwater obstacles. Without their presence, individuals who swim in these locations may be at risk of drowning, especially those who are not strong swimmers.

Lifeguard Gear

Secondly, lifeguard apparel is a crucial aspect of their job. Lifeguards wear distinctive uniforms that make them easily identifiable. Their apparel typically consists of a red or bright-colored swimsuit or trunks, a white t-shirt or tank top, and a whistle or some form of communication during emergencies. This attire helps lifeguards stand out and and be quickly identified in case of an emergency.

Thirdly, lifeguard equipment is essential to ensure the safety of swimmers. They use a variety of tools such as rescue tubes, rescue cans, and buoys to aid in water rescues. They also use first aid kits, oxygen tanks, and defibrillators to treat individuals who have suffered from cardiac arrest or other medical emergencies. Without these essential tools, lifeguards would not be able to respond quickly to emergencies, which could result in fatal consequences.

Lifeguard Duties

Fourthly, lifeguards are responsible for enforcing safety rules and regulations at aquatic facilities. They ensure that individuals follow the rules such as no diving in shallow water, no running on wet surfaces, and no horseplay in the water. By enforcing these regulations, lifeguards can prevent accidents and injuries from occurring.

Fifthly, lifeguards are trained to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently. They are taught how to perform CPR, administer first aid, and use rescue equipment effectively. Their quick response time can make a significant difference in the outcome of an emergency.

Lifeguards are not only responsible for rescues. Most life saving positions are responsible for maintaining a safe and clean environment at aquatic facilities. They monitor the water quality to ensure that it is safe for swimming, and they clean the area to prevent slips and falls. In addition, lifeguards play a crucial role in educating individuals about water safety. They teach individuals how to swim and how to prevent accidents from occurring. They also provide information on the dangers of rip currents, the importance of wearing life jackets, and the risks of swimming alone.

Lifeguard Training and Prevention

Lifeguard responsibilities extend beyond the physical aspect of saving lives. Lifeguards provide a sense of security for individuals who visit aquatic facilities. Their presence alone can prevent accidents from occurring and provide a sense of comfort for individuals who may be nervous about swimming in the water.

Lifeguards are responsible for maintaining their skills and knowledge by attending regular training sessions. They learn new techniques and skills that they can use in case of emergencies.

Lastly, lifeguards are essential to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting aquatic facilities. Their job is vital to prevent accidents from occurring, respond to emergencies quickly, and provide a sense of security for individuals who visit these locations.

In conclusion, the importance of lifeguards cannot be overstated. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety of individuals who visit aquatic facilities. Their apparel and equipment are essential to their job, and they are responsible for enforcing safety rules and regulations, responding to emergencies, educating individuals about water safety, and maintaining a safe and clean environment. Lifeguards are an essential part of any aquatic facility, and we should appreciate their hard work and dedication to keeping us safe.

 

Lifeguard Heroism: Tragic Mendocino Lifeguard Rescue

Lifeguard Heroism: Tragic Mendocino Lifeguard Rescue

Tragic Mendocino Lifeguard Rescue

Lifeguard Heroism is not machoism or glory. It is often death-defying attempts to save a life. Lifeguard rescues are not always successful, but the bravery does not go without valor. In some of the most extreme coastal conditions in Northern California, veteran watermen and lifeguard Ean Miller attempted to save a life, by risking his own.

 

First Responder, Ean Miller’s account of the incident: 

Ean Miller: Pretty heavy call. When the call came out, I was less than a minute away in my lifeguard unit. When I reached the locked gate there was a kid waving me down. I opened the gate and told him to jump in. Together we off-roaded the headlands to the spot his family was pointing and waving. Got my “go bag” and tried to locate a point last seen. The family said they just lost sight of him. I suited up and looked around. As I was suiting up the kid screamed “that’s my dad”. The victim popped up a minute later face down unconscious. I jumped in as a big set came, but while swimming toward him I lost sight of him as did the Ranger spotters on the cliff.

 

 

I maintained a position in the only calm spot I could for 5 or so more minutes until another set came as the spotters hadn’t seen the victim from the initial sighting. I decided it was way too dangerous in the inside area, and swam outside to blue water, which was a little safer, as I continued to search for 30-45 minutes. The seafoam was a foot thick or more, extremely hard to breathe and keep a visual on incoming surf and scanning for the victim. After another 5 or so minutes I swam with the current down toward Portuguese Beach thinking he might drift that way. Didn’t see anything and hopped on the Portuguese Wash Rock to reset. Mendo Ski found him about 200 yards from where I jumped in. CPR medics on the beach. It was a heavy scene with the entire 12-15 person family there. Things became very emotional when, while hugging the victim’s youngest son, I relayed what the medics had declared “that their father was gone, and I was so very sorry and I did everything I could.”

 

A word from Watermen Brand:

Here at Watermen Brand, our Lifeguard legacy roots run deep.

Our company founder was an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard for the City of Oceanside and California State Parks and later a Fire/Medic in charge of training fire/rescue swimmers for Half Moon Bay Fire Department.  Ean Miller, son of Ken and Jennifer Miller, has been an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard for fifteen years and currently works for the State of California on the Mendocino Coast.111

Want a Lifeguard Job? What to Expect at Lifeguard Tryouts

Want a Lifeguard Job? What to Expect at Lifeguard Tryouts

Want a Lifeguard Job? What to Expect at Lifeguard Tryouts

We know how physically, and mentally challenging lifeguarding can be. So, to help you prepare for the lifeguard swim tryouts, here is some important information for 2018. What to Expect for Lifeguard Tryouts?

Beach Lifeguards

  • swim 1,000 yards in open water (time limit of 20 minutes)
  • continuous 200-yard run, 400-yard swim and 200-yard run (time limit of 10 minutes)

Pool lifeguards

Red Cross pool lifeguards must complete several prerequisite water tests prior to registering for a Lifeguarding Course.

  • swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating rhythmic breathing (use freestyle, breaststroke or a combination of both)
  • tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs with your hands in your armpits.

 How to Prepare for the Tests?

Build your upper and lower body. There are plenty of swim work outs on line. Use a kick board to build leg muscles. Lift weights to build your arms and legs.

Know how to perform the freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. Make sure that your strokes and breathing techniques are smooth and correct, ask a professional to evaluate your stoke.

Set up a running schedule to improve cardiovascular fitness. This is necessary for long swims. Take your workout to a sandy spot; running on sand is more difficult than running on pavement or grass. Strong legs are essential for both swimming and running. Use stairs to build your lower body strength.

Strengthen your core and upper body. Do pull-ups, dips, bench presses, and curls to build upper body and arm strength. Strong upper bodies may mean difference between life and death. Your upper body is needed to bring victims back to safety.

The Swim Test (What to Expect)

There may be a beach load of candidates trying out, because lifeguard jobs are prestigious and highly desired. When you line up, stay to the outside, with a good angle towards the distance markers. If you line up in the middle of the pack you could be kicked in the face, punched or rammed unintentionally. So, swimming a little farther is sometimes better. Use the tide, look for rips, learn to body surf, learn to duck dive and hit the shore running. Sprint until you cross that finish line. Try not to be passed before that finish line, as they only take a minimal number of candidates.

Many swim tests are conducted outside. The weather conditions can be cold and stormy. Just because you pass the swim test under the time limit does not mean you move on.

What to Wear

Dress for all weather conditions, sweatshirts like the Humbolt Hoodie, to keep you warm while waiting for the test to start. If it is raining something waterproof like the K-38 is best. Remember the water will most likely be near or below 50 degrees, so keep your muscles warm. It is always smart to wear something warm on your head like a beanie. This keep your body warmer since 80% of your heat goes out your head and feet.

Women trying out to be a lifeguard need a suit that will stay on through the waves, and straps that stay up as you rotate your arms. We suggest a one piece lifeguard swimsuit or two piece lifeguard suits for women that suitable for lifeguard tryouts.

 Lifeguard Interviews (What to Expect)

The interview is not the typical, “why do you want this job?”, or tell me about yourself. They get in your face and yell at you, and you have to stay calm and show them how you would handle a possible drunk or disorderly beachgoer.

Finally, if you are selected to continue you are sent to a lifeguard style boot camp.

 How to Choose a Tryout Location?

Choose a location based on where you truly want to be a lifeguard. If you do not pass at one location, always look to find another location nearby but don’t give up. If you do not pass at state lifeguard tryouts, try city or county lifeguarding.

Good luck!

Watermen Products

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”.

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