A lifeguard must be immediately recognisable, so a distinctive, non-restrictive uniform should be worn on land and in the water. Whether you're guarding a pool or beach, or just for swim training, get some comfy uniforms.

Wear a uniform that is distinctive in colour and design, so swimmers can easily identify lifeguards on duty in an emergency. Colours such as blue and white are not recommended as they don't stand out among the bathers, especially in the water.

The position statement, issued by ILSF (International Life Saving Federation) on the 18th February 2004, recommends the colours for lifesaver and lifeguard uniforms to be red and yellow. These colours have been worn by a number of lifesaving organisations for many years to such an extent and with so much success that red and yellow has become synonymous with lifesavers and lifeguards in many countries.

 Recommended Uniform

1. Swimwear shorts and swim shirt.
2. Anorak or windbreaker with hood for beach use or training.
3. Hoodie to keep warm or for sun protection.
4. Polo Shirt or T-shirt with long sleeves for outdoor work to maximise sun protection.
5. Pants with long-legs for outdoor work to maximise sun protection.
6. Shoes with non-slippery soles and easy to swim in.
7. Polarised Sunglasses for outdoor work.
8. Hat with a broad brim for outdoor work to maximise sun protection. Where peaked caps are used, there should be an attachment at the sides and rear which provides cover for the ears and neck.

Team members on guard patrol should wear clothing suitable to the environment at the resort. It must be functional and allow freedom of movement when swimming. In pools use shorts or shell pants with lycra tops or polo shirts. Around open water, or for training, you may want to add hoodies or anoraks to keep warm.

 Patrol Caps

The red and yellow quartered patrol cap is an iconic symbol of lifesavers, identifying them in their active duties. Many organisations made the it a mandatory item of the surf lifesaver's uniform.

Recently, many lifesavers have voiced some concerns they have with the patrol cap. Some believe that the patrol cap is a barrier to recruiting new members, especially younger ones. They get a bit self-conscious when they look different with it on around their friends and they find it really uncomfortable having to wear it for four or five hours. Patrol captains and clubs find it increasingly difficult to enforce the mandatory wearing of the patrol cap which their governing bodies demand. Above all, the patrol cap offers little sun protection.

Our Recommendation: Make patrol cap optional. Let your team members decide. A wide-brimmed hat with much better sun protection should be added to your patrol uniform where necessary.