Select Page
History of Lifeguard Equipment & Clothing Over the Past 100 Years

History of Lifeguard Equipment & Clothing Over the Past 100 Years

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 - Lifeguard Equipment

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

Swim fins - Lifeguard Equipment

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

Rashguards

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 Liners - Lifeguard Clothing

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

Boardshorts - Lifeguard Clothing

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.

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

What To Wear While Surfing Warm Water?

What To Wear While Surfing Warm Water?

As watermen, we are on a constant search for an endless summer. Whether your journey takes you to Southern California, the East Coast, Baja, Caribbean, Indonesia or Central America you are bound to encounter some toasty ocean water. The sun is brighter and more intense than ever before, making it important to stay protected and equipped in order to get the most out of every session. Wintertime water, although not as enjoyable, is easy to prepare for; throw on your wetsuit, grit your teeth and get out there. Warm water may be much more inviting, but it can be difficult to gauge just what to wear. On one hand, it’s warm water, so your initial response is to just put on a comfortable pair of boardshorts and jump right in the refreshing ocean. But here’s where the rogue wave of unpreparedness can wash you in – in order to last in warm water you need to be wearing the right gear and apparel. Here at Original Watermen we devote a large amount of time seeking out sun and warm waves and have perfected our go-to warm water attire from head to toe.

crest-maroon_1

Original Watermen’s Mermaid Crest Trucker Hat is the ideal accessory for warm water. Whether you are surfing, fishing, or enjoying the sandy shores, this trucker hat keeps the sun off your face; and combined with its lightweight material, it keeps you protected with out burdening your noggin with any extra heat. Squeeze in that extra hour of high noon surfing with a lightweight trucker hat.

 

Long Sleeve R1000x877-rashguard-ls-navy-r1_3ashguard will provide you with SPF 50+ protection, in addition to preventing the annoying rashes. Keeping your skin protected from the sun is an integral part to warm water adventures.

 

You can find out more about the benefits of rash guards on our recent blog, Rash Guards: Beat the Summer Sun.

kelp_camo_pic_1_1_1Watermen Shorts, aka our boardshort liners, are the ultimate below deck protection. The waves are warm, the sun is shining and the fish are biting; don’t let rashes drop an anchor on your day. Watermen shorts can be worn alone or with your Watermen Super Stretch board shorts.

 

backside_ed2_web__1_1__2Watermen Super Stretch boardshorts are your lifeline to wading the warm waters. The super stretch is especially key as warm water gear with its top-of-the-line, ultra-lightweight 4-way stretch fabric. Based on the fact that most watermen essentially live in their board shorts, the Super Stretch from Original Watermen has been put through the ultimate strength and durability test.

 

The water is warm, dive on in! Just make sure you are properly geared-up to enjoy everything that comes along with the sun and heat. Original Watermen wants you to stay cool when it’s hot, so we work hard to provide you with the ultimate line of lightweight, durable gear and apparel to outfit you on your chase of an endless summer – whether that be the sea, the beach, a reef, a lake, a lagoon or some sunny path in between.

Pin It on Pinterest