Maintain Your Lifeguard Gear

December 8, 2023

As a lifeguard, your role is pivotal in ensuring the safety and well-being of swimmers and even the people who are just relaxing on the beach or side of the pool. Ensuring that your gear is in pristine condition is crucial, not just for its longevity but also for its efficacy during emergencies. With frequent usage, harsh environmental conditions, and the importance to share equipment across shifts, maintaining and cleaning your lifeguard gear becomes paramount. The Lifeguard Store, your trusted expert in all equipment related to lifeguard uniforms and gear, provides a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the longevity of your lifeguard gear.

Swimsuits and Board Shorts

While lifeguard swimsuits and lifeguard board shorts are often subjected to challenging and unpredictable conditions such as chlorinated water, salt from the sea, and the blazing sun, it’s beneficial to know how to take care of these items to ensure not only the longevity of these clothing items, but to ensure they allow you to stay alert, efficient, and focused during your shift. A few simple ways to take care of your lifeguard swimsuits are to:

Rinse immediately after use to reduce chlorine or salt damage.
Use mild detergents and cold water for washing.
Always air dry these items and avoid direct sunlight to retain the vibrant color and fabric integrity.

Essential Lifeguard Gear & Equipment: Rescue Tubes and Backboards

There are many essential lifeguard equipment items that are necessary for facilities to have in case of an emergency in the water. These items include rescue tubes, backboards, buoys, and more! These essential lifesaving items are fundamental to a lifeguard's role and therefore require meticulous care to ensure these pieces of lifeguard equipment can withstand elements, time, and different situation. A few ways to take care of these items are to:

Clean with mild soap and water regularly.
Always check for visible damages, such as cracks or punctures.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prolong its life.
Ensure everything is put away when not in use so nobody steps on anything with the potential of breaking the item.

First-Aid Kits and AED Units

Another essential tool for any lifeguard or facility to have is a first-aid kit and AED unit. These pieces of lifesaving gear and equipment should always be stocked, up to date, and ready to use at any moment. When working at a pool facility or a beach, emergencies can happen out of the blue and ensuring all lifesaving equipment is up to date and standards can be dramatically crucial, even if it is just having a Band-Aid on hand. See below for a few ways to ensure your first aid kit and AED unit remain ready:

Regularly replace expired or depleted items.
Ensure the kit is free from dust or dirt.
Keep it in a cool, dry location to ensure the longevity of the items inside.
Have an expert complete regular checks on the AED unit to ensure nothing has expired or stopped working.
Keep the items in an easily accessible place where they won’t be damaged but anyone can find them in a time of emergency.

Shared Equipment: Bags, Lanyards, Manikins, and More

Often, lifeguard gear like bags and lanyards may be shared between shifts. This makes their cleanliness vital for personal hygiene and essential to stay prepared. Shared equipment may be the most important items to keep clean so anyone can grab it an head to shift in a timely manner. See below for how to keep shared lifeguard equipment clean and ready for use:

Disinfect and clean lanyards after your shift.
Empty and restock any shared lifeguard gear and bags that may be essential to keep on hand during a shift.
Wipe off and dry any water that may have gotten on or in your bag during your shift.
Store items like binoculars in protective cases to keep them free from dust and moisture.
Clean and disinfect any training manikins after use.
Store the training manikins in a safe place where they wont be stepped on or damaged when not being used.

Being equipped with lifeguard gear and equipment that's well-maintained ensures lifeguards are always ready for any challenge that comes their way. As professionals who are often called into action at a moment's notice, lifeguards cannot afford to have their lifeguard equipment fail them. Regular maintenance not only ensures longevity but guarantees that the gear performs optimally when it matters most. Trust The Lifeguard Store to be your partner in all equipment a lifeguard or facility may need, ensuring you’re always prepared and equipped with the best lifeguard gear. Shop with us today to stay prepared and alert on your next lifeguard shift!