We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
Lifeguards need to protect their feet from salty water, sand, concrete, rocks and the sun. The sand and concrete may heat up during the day causing blisters and can make it impossible for lifeguards to walk barefoot. Doctors say that walking on the concrete barefoot can cause joint and back pain. That is why lifeguards require a different type of shoes.
You may have seen lifeguards wearing flip flops. Flip flops may not be useful for such a profession as they lack the support. Grip, support and protection are what a lifeguard’s feet need while he/she is working.
So what qualities a lifeguard’s shoes must have? – The shoes should be comfortable and lightweight. They should be waterproof and should dry off easily. The should protect the feet from infection and injuries.
And most importantly the should be slip-resistant as well. The shoes should have some facility where water can be drained out to provide dryness to the feet. The shoes should also have some sturdiness and should be breathable.
Well, we know it’s not easy to find shoes which have all these qualities. That’s why we have made a list of the best shoes for lifeguards.
Index table:7 Best Shoes for Lifeguards
[2020]
Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1.Ryka Women’s Hydro Sport Training Water Shoe
These shoes are specially designed for women. As the name suggests, these are specially made for wearing during water sports, water aerobics or working out. These shoes are made of synthetic and mesh.
These shoes have sticky rubber for better traction on the wet surfaces. The shoes have drainage pores in the water and have perforated as well as removable footbed.
The material is chlorine resistant so chlorine won’t affect the quality and look of the shoe. These shoes are available in many colors and have a very stylish and attractive look.
- 8.3 oz.
- Synthetic and mesh upper. Webbing midfoot cage provides medial...
- Removable, perforated Nitracel footbed.
- Compression molded EVA foam with drainage ports.
- Highly flexible outsole design provides drainage ports and sticky...
Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things we like
- Chlorine-resistant
- Sticky rubber for better traction
- Drainage pores
- Perforated and removable footbed
- Available in many styles and colors
Things we don’t like
- Less durable
- Do not provide arch support
2.KEEN Women’s Venice H2 Sandal
These sandals are also available in 3 to 4 colors. If you are not comfortable wearing shoes that cover your whole feet then you can give these sandals a try. These sandals have laces so you can adjust the size. The upper of the shoes have a lot of open space allowing your feet to breathe.
The shoes have polyester webbing and rubber sole. Even these are sandals they have a toe bumper protection. The sandals are lightweight and provide all the essential support to your feet.
Because the shoes have breathable open upper, it automatically keeps your feet odour free. The outsole is flexible and midsole is cushioned to give maximum comfort.
- Sport sandal featuring breathable stretch straps with waterproof...
- Bungee lacing system
- Easy-on heel loop
- Compression-molded EVA midsole
- Hydrophobic mesh lining
Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things we like
- Comfortable
- Toe bumper protection
- Odour free
- Easily dries off
- Adjustable size
- Lightweight
- Provides essential support needed
Things we don’t like
- May not be true to size
- The straps may become loose
- Not slip-resistant
Also Read: Best shoes for tight calves in 2021
3.ALEADER Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
Available in many styles and colors, these shoes are breathable and durable. The shoes have open mesh holes in the sole which provide quick drying and odour-free experience. These features also help drain the water.
The shoes also have comfortable sock liners which provide comfort and cushioning. The shoes are slip-resistant. The shoes also have a lightweight midsole.
The shoes also provide arch support. The shoes have slip-on technology as well as laces – so they are easy to wear and adjustable.
Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things we like
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh
- Comfortable cushioning and sock linings
- Designed to drain the water and keep your feet dry
- Provides arch support
- Easy to wear
Things we don’t like
- May not be appropriate for wearing on sand
- The colour of the shoes can fade away
4.Men Women Water Sports Shoes Slip-on Quick-Dry Aqua Swim Shoes for Pool Beach Surf Walking Water Park
These shoes are available in more than 30 colors and styles. Designed for both men and women, the shoes provide all the essential support and comfort.
The shoes are slip-resistant and easy to dry. The upper is made with high-quality fabric and outsole has anti-slip technology.
The outsoles are designed to drain water quickly. Even though the fabric is soft, the outsole protects the feet from rocks, sands, heat and pebbles. The shoes are useful for hiking as well.
- 〓 Lightweight & Flexible »» Ultra-light design, wear soft,...
- 〓 Anti-Slip Sole »» Unique and anti-slip outsole, quick-dry...
- 〓 Quick Drying With Dainage Holes »» Highly quality fabric,...
- 〓 Safty Protection »» Super high traction rubber and average...
- 〓 Occasions »» Perfect for walk on lakes or rivers, any water...
Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things we like
- Durable
- Drains water easily
- Slip-resistant
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight and breathable
- Provides protection and support
Things we don’t like
- The insole is not slip-resistant
Also Read:- Best shoes for Tough Mudder in 2021
5.Aleader Women’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
These shoes are similar to Aleader Men’s shoes but these shoes are designed especially for women’s feet. These shoes can be worn during hiking surfing and swimming as well. These shoes drain the water and dry off quickly.
The shoes are slip-resistant. The shoes are available in more than 25 colors and styles. These shoes have a breathable mesh upper to keep your feet dry. The shoes also have sock liners to provide extra comfort.
- 【Easy On/Off】Slip-on design provides convenience when you put...
- 【Quick-Drying】Lightweight water drain outsole quickly drains...
- 【Breathable】Mesh upper provides excellent breathability,...
- 【Non-slip】Constructed with a rubber sole for excellent...
- 【Safety】The full-coverage design offers dependable protection...
Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things we like
- Durable
- Easy to find the perfect size
- Breathable mesh
- Slip-resistant
- Available in many styles and colors
- Can be worn for hiking, swimming and surfing as well
- Drains water and dries off quickly
Things we don’t like
- Many users said that small stones get suck in shoes
- The colour of the shoes fades away quickly
6.Mishansha Mens Womens Water Shoes Quick-Dry Barefoot for Swim Diving Surf Aqua Sports Pool Beach Walking Yoga
These are unisex shoes available in more than 40 styles and colors. The shoes have a very interesting look and they look really trendy.
The shoes are slip-resistant. The shoes have EVA insoles which will help your feet breathe and you will be comfortable all the time. The shoes have holes on the upper providing quick drainage. The shoes have elastic laces making them easy to wear.
The shoes are skid-proof. The shoes have a rubber sole and Spandex Fabri rubber which is salt resistant.
- PERFECT MATERIAL:Upper with salt resistance wear resistance...
- UNIQUE SOLES : The new updated unique and top-quality anti slip...
- Easy On and Off: Our water shoes are easily carry, The pull tap...
- ELASTIC STRAPS:According to the width of the foot quickly adjust...
- IDEAL FOR ANY ACTIVITY: Swim shoes perfect for beach, diving,...
Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things we like
- Skid-proof
- Available in many styles and colors
- Easy to wear
- Salt resistant
- Slip-resistant
- Dries off quickly and drains water quickly
Things we don’t like
- Not functional for beach use
- May be uncomfortable around the heel
7.Zhuanglin Men’s Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
These shoes are available in 21 different colors. The shoes have drainage holes on the upper which help them dry pretty quickly.
These holes also make the shoes more breathable. These shoes are slip-resistant and lightweight.
The shoes have grippy outsole ginning them excellent traction. The shoes also have sock liners which makes them more comfortable. The shoes are highly durable.
- Breathable and durable air mesh upper allow the foot to breathe.
- Solyte midsole provides an exceptionally lightweight midsole with...
- Water Grip outsole provides exceptional traction in wet and...
- ComforDry sockliner provides the optimum cushioning performance...
- Open mesh on the upper and hole on the sole provides for superior...
Last update on 2023-03-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things we like
- Slip-resistant
- Available in many styles and colors
- Lightweight
- Drains water quickly
- Dries off quickly
- durable
- Comfortable
Things we don’t like
- Pebbles get stuck in the fabric
- Laces loosen up when they are wet
What colour do lifeguards wear?
It is recommended that lifeguards should wear a consistent, easily identifiable and easily visible uniform. That is why many lifeguards organizations have yellow and red uniforms.
The main reason for choosing these colours can be that they are visible from a long distance and are very vibrant.
Also, these colours are recognized as emergency colours. You might have also seen some lifeguards wear blue-coloured uniforms.
How should I dress for a lifeguard interview?
Like any other interviews, it is important to wear clean and formal clothes. To create a perfect impression, you should be in a perfect formal and presentable attire.
Avoid wearing any type of casual clothing like t-shirts, flip flops and casual pants.
What do female lifeguards wear?
These days, female lifeguards wear- rescue bikini. Which is a two-piece swimsuit. They have a choice. They can choose to wear a rescue bikini or a one-piece swimsuit.
Earlier, female lifeguards did not have a choice but to wear one-piece swimsuits like x back elite. Now the rules are a bit flexible.
Why do lifeguards bob their heads up and down?
Lifeguards bob their heads to see more clearly. As it is impossible to see just with the peripheral vision and to make sure not to miss any blind spots.
Guards bob their head to make it more evident that they are scanning. As the guard is scanning, the biggest blind spot can be at the guard’s feet, in order to not miss that blind spot, they look up and down and scan every spot to make sure everything is okay.
How many days a week do lifeguards work?
Instead of counting days, most lifeguards work on an hourly basis. In a week, a lifeguard works around 40 hours. According to the timing of public pools, lifeguards work on weekends and evenings.
Many times a lifeguards work is seasonal. Like during holidays or summers when people tend to visit beaches and pools more.
Many people do it as a summer job as well. So during other seasons or days, it is possible that they do other jobs.
How much money does a lifeguard make an hour?
According to surveys and researches which are done in 2020, in the United States of America, a lifeguard earns around $11 to $12 per hour.
Whereas in the UK it is 9 to 10 Euros. Some websites have also observed wedges from $7 to $15- hourly. Lifeguards who have experience get paid higher than freshers.
If we take into consideration these numbers, the weekly salary of a lifeguard is around $394 to $463. And monthly salary eagles from $1708 to $2006.
Can Lifeguards wear sunglasses?
It is in fact recommended that lifeguards wear sunglasses. Lifeguards should wear sunglasses with UV protection. Sunglasses are also useful in avoiding water’s glare.
What to bring to work as a lifeguard?
According to guardforlife.com, a lifeguard needs to bring the following things to work-
- Uniform
- Appropriate lifeguard shoes
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Sunblock
- CPR mask
- Water bottle
- lunch/dinner
- Hat
- Warm clothes (in case of cold weather)
What size pool requires a lifeguard?
It is mandatory that there is 1 lifeguard for 100 people. Another fact is a lifeguard is required per 2000 square feet of water surface area.
There is another set of rules for wave pools, waterparks and water slides.
what do lifeguards wear on their arms
Lifeguards wear an armband on their arms which has a microphone in it. Which makes it easy to talk inside water. It is usually worn while filming as well. But it is important to make sure that it does not interfere while rescuing is going on.
Why do lifeguards swing their arms?
Lifeguards swing their arms because it gives them a clearer opportunity to scan. It makes it look like they are fully concentrated on scanning. It is a five minute strategy.
Why do lifeguards use hand signals?
If a person is drowning or is unable to talk, that’s when hand signals are used. It makes them easy to communicate without any confusion.
These hand signals are useful to communicate with other lifeguards while they are performing a rescue.
What does a red lifeguard flag mean?
Red flag is used when the lifeguard wants to give a serious warning. Lifeguards use these flags to warn people inside water. Lifeguards use red flags when they want to suggest that it is not safe to be inside water and people should come out of the water.
What does a purple flag mean?
When there are some dangerous animals inside water like sharks, poisonous fish, jellyfish or any other dangerous wildlife, then lifeguards use purple flags.
How do lifeguards communicate with flags?
Lifeguards use two-hand flags. They move their arms in various directions to represent letters, numbers or any messages. As the signs will be visible more clearly and it is not possible to shout or use words everytime.
Why do lifeguards have whistles?
Lifeguards use whistles to get everyone’s attention. Incase of violation of rules while swimming, entering a prohibited part of the beach, pool etc. lifeguards also use whistles to indicate that there is some emergency.
Conclusion
As we already mentioned, lifeguards shoes should be comfortable, lightweight and slip-resistant. They should drain the water easily and dry off easily. They should keep the feet dry to avoid foul-smelling and any type of infection.
The shoes should also provide protection from rocks, salt, sand, heat, pebbles or any types of injuries. There are shoes available in many styles and colours. Many lifeguards organizations have yellow and red uniforms. It is important for a lifeguard to use UV protection sunglasses to keep their eyes safe.
As the guard is scanning, the biggest blind spot can be at the guard’s feet, in order to not miss that blind spot, they look up and down and scan every spot to make sure everything is okay. We have also made a list of things a lifeguard should carry to work.
Lifeguards use various gestures, flags or use whistles to warn or communicate any messages. Lifeguards use flags to indicate any danger or emergency.
