The Lifeguard Store History
The Lifeguard Store
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July 17, 2017
In 1992, The Lifeguard Store concept was first conceived revealed at a lifeguard instructor course in Hong Kong. While teaching the course, Mark Oostman discovered the lack of proper safety equipment and a relevant source to provide it. After returning to the States, Mark started the process of contacting manufacturers to set up an international distribution network.
Mark’s passion for aquatic safety started in 1987 at Centennial Beach, Naperville, Illinois while lifeguarding as a summer job. Mark then went on to Northern Illinois University where he was a nationally ranked swimmer. In 1992, Mark was offered a position to travel worldwide evaluating aquatic facilities. This eventually led him to Hong Kong where The Lifeguard Store vision was conceived.
In 1994, after working professionally in the aquatic safety environment for seven years, Mark started The Lifeguard Store in the basement of his 1887 historic home in Bloomington, Illinois. Seventeen years and four buildings later, we are now located in a 35,000-square-foot facility on 16 acres in Normal, Illinois. It has been a long journey, through recessions and strong economic times. We have weathered many storms and have secured ourselves as a leader in the industry.
The Lifeguard Store has a second company, The Swim Team Store, which provides swimsuits, equipment, and apparel to swim teams all over the country. The Swim Team Store is located in Wheeling, Illinois in the Chicago suburbs and has seen tremendous growth these past two years. The Swim Team Store is headquartered out of the Normal, Illinois location.
Combined, both companies operate with approximately 50+ employees. The Executive Staff consists of Mark Oostman—CEO and Amy Hilten—COO, waterpark/pool management sales.This staff has a strong relationship and provides great leadership for both companies.
Our continued efforts and excitement for the aquatics world has and will continue to keep The Lifeguard Store a leader in the industry.
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Topics
- Swimming Tips
- 130513
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Tags
Swimming Tips
130513
fitness
prevention
technique
training
workout
Contest
POTW
New
Kirazies
Swim Team
Pool Equipment
Digital Pace Clock
Fins
Swim Goggles
krazies
practice
breath control
pull
fuel
nutrition
tips
energy drinks
competition
events
IMX
parent eductation
lunch
parent education
snacks
portable fuel
triathlon
breathing
goals
planning
preparedness
aerobic
anaerobic
hypoxic
cycle
age grouper
swim for life
age group
kids
11-12
meets
skills
Swim Fins
spandex
polyester
Speedo
TYR
Kiefer
Dolfin
Durafast
Aqualast
XLA
PBT
Endurance
recreation
swimming
suit
swimsuit
Swim Caps
Swim Safety
Open Water Swimming
Sim Safety
Safer Swimmer
Backstroke Flags
Pool Flags
Anti-fog Goggles
backstroke
swimming pool
turns
finishes
meters
yards
Lycra Swimsuit
Polyester Swimsuit
Swimsuit Fabric
Swimsuit Material
Competitive Swimwear
Learn To Swim
floaties
life jacket
life vest
Racing Lanes
early workout
alarm
sleep
Lifeguard
Water Safety
Mobile Friendly
Lane Ropes
Training Gear
Kickboard Review
Kickboard
Olympic Swimmer
Bathing Caps
Lycra Caps
Silicone Caps
Latex Caps
Swim Practice
Swim Workout
pools
save our pools
Motivation
Swim Gear Advice
Swim Sweepstakes
holiday shopping
gifts
holiday
Thanksgiving
turkey day
holiday training
2014
New Year
fun training
Swimming Cramps
Google Catalog
Kiefer Catalog
Swimsuit Catalog
Lifeguard Catalog
Swim Backpack
Swim Cap
Tech Suits
swim
Christmas
Swim Meets
Swimming Trivia
Swimsuit Sizing
Swimming Stretches
Swimming Injuries
Swimmer Gifts
Hand Paddles
Olympic Swimming Comebacks
Rio 2016
Swimsuit Backs
15M Marker
Dolfin Uglies
Carb Loading
Rescue Tube
Underwater MP3 Player
Swimming Songs
Lifeguard Whistle
Butterfly
swimming technique
technical suit
tech suit
usaswimming
ban
club swimming
olympic trials
age group swimming
arena
olympics
world championships
super suit
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