How to Hire the Right Lifeguard for Your Event

When planning a pool party, beach gathering, or water-based event, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to hire a professional lifeguard—and more importantly, which one. Not all lifeguards are the same, and choosing the right fit can mean the difference between smooth, worry-free fun and a stressful day.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hire the right lifeguard for your event.

Step 1: Understand Your Event’s Needs

Before you start looking for lifeguards, think about your event:

• Type of Event: Is it a children’s birthday party, a corporate retreat, or a large community pool day? Each requires different levels of supervision.

• Number of Guests: A general rule is one lifeguard for every 20–25 swimmers. If you’re expecting more than 50 guests, you’ll likely need multiple lifeguards.

• Activities: Will there be diving boards, inflatables, or water sports? Some activities require lifeguards with specialized skills.

  
  

📌 Example: A family hosting a pool party with 10 kids may only need one lifeguard. But for a high school graduation party with 60 teens, three lifeguards stationed around the pool ensures full coverage.

Step 2: Check Certifications

Always confirm that the lifeguard is certified by a recognized organization, such as the American Red Cross, YMCA, or Ellis & Associates. Certifications should include:

• CPR and AED Training

• First Aid

• Professional Lifeguarding or Open Water Lifeguarding (depending on your venue)

  
  

📌 Real Story: At a pool party in Dallas, a guest had a cardiac event. The certified lifeguard used an AED on-site and stabilized the guest until EMS arrived. That level of preparation only comes with proper certification.

Step 3: Ask About Experience

Not every lifeguard is used to event settings. Some may have only worked at public pools, while others have managed chaotic pool parties and know how to enforce rules tactfully.

Ask questions like:

• “Have you worked private events before?”

• “How do you handle large groups of kids?”

• “What’s an emergency you’ve responded to in the past?”

  
  

📌 Scenario: One lifeguard might be amazing at scanning a crowded waterpark, while another shines at keeping younger children safe at birthday parties. Experience matters.

Step 4: Look for Strong Communication Skills

A lifeguard’s job isn’t just to rescue, it’s also to prevent. That means they need to confidently give instructions, enforce rules, and communicate clearly with both kids and adults.

📌 Example: At a summer bash, a lifeguard calmly but firmly reminded teens to stop horseplay on the pool deck. By doing so, they prevented an injury before it happened, all without ruining the fun.

Step 5: Confirm Insurance and Professionalism

Reputable lifeguard services should have liability insurance and a clear agreement in place. This protects both you and the lifeguard in case of an emergency.

Look for professionalism from the start: Do they arrive early? Do they bring rescue gear? Do they wear a uniform? These details show you’re dealing with someone serious about safety.

Step 6: Book Early

Summer weekends and holidays are peak times for lifeguards. If you wait until the last minute, you may end up without coverage. Always book a few weeks in advance to secure reliable professionals.

📌 Tip: For major holidays like the 4th of July or Memorial Day, lifeguard availability can fill up months ahead.

Hiring the right lifeguard is about more than just finding someone who can swim, it’s about finding a trained, experienced, and professional safety partner for your event. By taking the time to assess your needs, check certifications, and ask the right questions, you’ll ensure your guests can enjoy the water without worry.

👉 Hosting a pool party, community event, or beach gathering? Our certified lifeguards are available for hire to keep your event safe and stress-free. Book now to secure your coverage before the season fills up!

A professional event guard ensuring safety at a private swim meet.