FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.      What do you mean Rent-A-Lifeguard is a “Free” search service?

ANSWER: Our website offers you the ability to search for Lifeguards for free but you must pay for the services offered by a Lifeguard.

2.      As the Host of the event, how much do the rental services of a Lifeguard cost?

ANSWER: The payment and method of payment is to be negotiated between you and the Lifeguard. Usually, you must pay an hourly rate plus the Lifeguard’s travel to your event. Tipping is optional. Rates vary depending on region and Lifeguard experience. There is typically a 3-hour minimum for hiring a Lifeguard. Please consult with your Lifeguard for more information.

3.      Are Lifeguards affiliated with Rent-A-Lifeguard?

ANSWER: No. The Lifeguard whose services you rent is an independent contractor and not affiliated with Rent-A-Lifeguard other than them using our FREE online database service to list their profile as a courtesy to the public for the well being and safety of people.

4.      What happens if I can’t locate a Lifeguard in your database?

ANSWER: Try to expand your search by county or neighboring cities. Also, depending on your location, you might live near the border of another state so search those cities and counties as well. If you still can’t locate a Lifeguard we recommend that you contact your local YMCA or Red Cross. Please help spread safety- make sure you encourage all Lifeguards you come across to register with our website.

5.      How do I know if the Lifeguard I am contacting is certified.

ANSWER: There are no guarantees that the person you contact is actually a Lifeguard. It is up to you to verify the claims listed on their profile on this website. Since Rent-A-Lifeguard does not charge a fee for its search services we do not have the resources to hire people to verify certification. We do our best to maintain the integrity of the site and have rules to insure the integrity remains.

6.      I am having a big event. How many Lifeguards do I rent?

 ANSWER: When you contact a Lifeguard, be prepared to give them all the information of you event as listed in our Search Lifeguards page and they should be able to help you.

7.      What organizations certify Lifeguards?

ANSWER: Here are links below of well known organizations but it is not a complete list. There are many competent city, state, county and national organizations that certify Lifeguards.

•   American Lifeguard Association

•   American Red Cross

•   Jeff Ellis & Associates

•   United States Lifeguard Association

•   YMCA

8.      Why was Rent-A-Lifeguard created?

ANSWER: To prevent deaths and injury from drowning.

9.      What happens if the Lifeguard has to go to the bathroom or take a break?

ANSWER: Everyone must be ordered out of the water and an adult(s) must enforce that no one enters the water until the Lifeguard returns.

10.  What happens if a Lifeguard is a no show?

ANSWER: Since we are a website that simply connects someone who wants a Lifeguard with a Lifeguard, we cannot guarantee that this will never happen and we of course hope it never happens. We encourage feedback, both positive and negative. Please Contact Us if this ever happens to you.

11.  What is the minimum age a Lifeguard must be?

ANSWER: This varies by county, state or city. Check with your local laws. For example, in California a beach Lifeguard must be 18 yrs or older but a pool Lifeguard may be 16 yrs old or older.

12.  Do I need insurance to rent the services of a Lifeguard and how am I covered?

ANSWER: Rent-A-Lifeguard recommends that you contact an insurance or legal professional to address this issue because we do not know how, nor are we licensed to, nor do we claim to know, how to properly and legally advise you on insurance matters. Your homeowners insurance policy may have temporary workers compensation benefits for temporary workers on your property. If you are having an event away from your home you may have to purchase insurance coverage. Insurance benefits and laws may vary by state and insurance carrier.

13.  Who do I contact if I have a complaint or praise for a Lifeguard?

ANSWER: Please Contact Us.

14.  What does a Lifeguard do?

ANSWER: (What is written below does not mean that your Lifeguard will do all these duties. We are giving you an overall description of what a Lifeguard does). Contrary to a widely-held notion, a Lifeguard doesn't have a relaxing job at the beach or wherever they may be working.  In fact, a normal workday can be tough and demanding. A Lifeguard is a true professional. In California for instance, those who are willing to accept the challenge of this job can choose from a range of opportunities--from working at public and private swimming pools to lifeguarding at rivers, lakes, and ocean beaches.  Actual duties and responsibilities depend on where a Lifeguard works.  All share the same high level of responsibility and the basic commitment to safeguard the lives and property of those in their care and must be prepared to use emergency measures when required.

Pool Lifeguards working at public and private swimming facilities supervise the pool, decks and adjacent areas. Usually working in pairs, Lifeguards constantly watch the swimmers in their jurisdiction, protect their safety, make sure rules are followed, give first aid, and, if required, use the rescue techniques as prescribed by the Red Cross (or other organizations).  They also keep records, write reports, and do required pool maintenance.  Lifeguards may perform other duties, such as working as cashiers in a snack bar.  Lifeguards who are certified Water Safety Instructors (WSI) develop lesson plans for water-related classes and teach swimming skills to children and adults.

Beach Lifeguards, for instance, working  along the California coastline, work from Santa Cruz to San Diego and at some of the major California inland lakes.  They watch from a station or tower for such things as violations of beach rules, ocean hazards, and signs of swimmers who are potentially or already in danger. Lifeguards use rescue buoys, rings or boards and approved techniques when responding to swimmers in need of help.  They give first aid to victims of near-drowning and to those who suffer from cuts, broken bones, heat strokes or even heart seizures.  They keep a written log book describing major incidents.

Some Beach Lifeguards are specialized and work as rescue boat crew members patrolling assigned coastline areas and responding to reports of tired swimmers, damaged or sinking boats, injured persons at sea and ditched or crashed aircraft. They often coordinate their efforts with the US Coast Guard. Beach patrol Lifeguards drive a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped for major emergencies such as beached boats or cliff accidents.  Beach Lifeguards also operate underwater recovery units, offer water safety courses in sailing and surfing and provide youth educational services.

Lifeguard students learn may also receive training in basic law enforcement, public contact and visitor services, and natural resource management.  When they successfully finish training they are promoted to Lifeguard often have full Peace Officer status.

Working Conditions: Although Lifeguards work out of stations or offices, most of their time is spent outside, in all types of weather.  Not only do they risk exposure to dangerous rays from the burning sun, they also work in the cold and the rain. Work is often strenuous, and Lifeguards are usually required to engage in daily physical workouts to keep in top condition.  The work may also be highly stressful.  Lifeguards need to be able to deal with large and sometimes rowdy crowds, while constantly watching the area for any possible problems.  They know that if they don't do their job correctly, a life could be lost.

Beach Lifeguards also face the additional risks of cold water, risky water conditions, and dangerous rescue attempts.  In the winter months they patrol the beach for hazards and tide changes and watch over the swimmers, surfers and skin divers who venture into the cold and rough waters where the accident potential is greater than in the warmer months.

Employment outlook: The demand for permanent beach Lifeguards is expected to remain fairly constant.  Competition is stiff and most of the permanent positions are filled by those who previously held seasonal positions.  Students normally fill seasonal jobs therefore, the turnover is fairly high.

Pool Lifeguards are hired mainly in the summer and again these spots are filled primarily by students.  The aquatic manager position is the only full-time permanent job usually available.

Wages, hours and fringe benefits: Since most outdoor public and private pools are open only during the summer months, the majority of Pool Lifeguard positions are seasonal and fringe benefits are minimal.  In Southern California some beaches are used for recreation year-round, and Beach Lifeguards are employed on a full-time basis throughout the year. Permanent full-time Beach Lifeguards receive sick leave, insurance and retirement benefits.