Choosing a Whistle

When you are a lifeguard, you need the proper equipment to effectively do your job. One of the items you need happens to be a whistle! You may think all whistles are alike, but then why would there be so many to choose from? Because each whistle is different, here are things to keep in mind when choosing which one is best for you!

Plastic or Metal?

The first thing you should consider is the material the whistle is made out of: plastic or metal. Plastic whistles tend to be light weight, cheaper, and come in a variety of colors. Because of the plastic material, these whistles are less durable and may often give less timbre. Metal whistles are more common than plastic whistles and offer great durability and quality. Metal is more expensive than plastic making them more costly, as well as heavier. Metal whistles can even be affected by colder weather!

To pea or not to pea?

Peas in whistles allow air to circulate in the whistle producing a trill of sound. While whistles with peas produce the most variety of tones and pitches, it may not be for you. Whistles with peas have more moving parts, meaning more things can go wrong with it. The pea can get stuck or the whistle can even be overblown. In contrast, pea-less whistles have no parts that can stick and its lighter weight.  Pea-less whistles are mono-tone and offer less variety than whistles with peas.

A lot of individuals highly recommend the Fox 40 Classic, which is a pea-less whistle. This whistle came on the market when a Canadian basketball referee was tired of the whistles on the market. His unique design puts it above the competitors.

Checkout our favorites!

1.       Fox40 Cushioned Mouth Grip Whistles

2.       OriginalGuard Infinity Whistle

3.       Acme Thunderer Whistle

Accessories

You can’t just carry your whistle in your pocket or hand all day! Secure your whistle to a lanyard and save yourself the hassle! These come in many different styles including the WovenLifeguard Neck Lanyard or the CustomName Tag Break Away Lanyard. The Lifeguard Store also carries a RubberTip Whistle Guard which adds comfort for metal whistles.

Lifeguard Apparel: The Basics

As a lifeguard, you have a very important role - saving lives. When there is an issue or someone has a question, you are the person people are looking for. With this said, you want to be seen! This is why wearing Guard Apparel is important in order for you to do your job. 

Depending on your location, your summers can be hot one day and cool the next. If this is the case, you want to dress in layers that can easily be taken off in case of an emergency. We sell a variety of Guard Apparel to suit the temperature changes in your area! Check out our RISE Guard Hoodie and our RISE Guard Tee. We also carry sweatpants, jackets, rashguards, and more!

Don't stop with just apparel, you need accessories too! With the sun blazing on you day in and day out, you need something to protect your face and eyes from the sun! We offer many visors and hats in a variety of colors ranging from red to khaki. We also offer many different styles of sunglasses with polarized lenses that offer UV protection.

The Lifeguard Store offers the best quality at the best price.

Reasons to Become a Lifeguard

Pheww! We've finally caught a break in the weather and it's finally starting to warm up! With summer right around the corner, you're probably searching for the perfect summer job. Of course there is always fast food restaurants, convenient stores, and large box retailers but don't you want something enjoyable and rewarding? Lifeguarding is the best summer job! Here are some reasons why:

1. Summers Only

Because many pool facilities are only open during the summer, it's the perfect opportunity for a 'summer-only' job. Many places won't hire you if they know you only plan to work a couple of months before going back to school, going to back to your normal job, etc. They don't want to spend the time and money to train you, just for you to turn around and leave. You can avoid this by getting certified to become a lifeguard!

2. Many Opportunities

Once you are certified to be a lifeguard, you are able to work at a wide variety of places. Your community pool is a great place to start, but once you have more experience you can begin looking elsewhere. There are always water parks, lakes, and ocean beaches that are looking for lifeguards. The demand for lifeguards is HUGE.

3. Role Model

Do you remember going to the pool when you were younger and you thought being a lifeguard would be the perfect job?! That's because it is! Being a lifeguard means that you are a role model to many of the young children that visit the pool every single day. You have the opportunity to make an impact in a young child's life. You may even have the opportunity to assist them in swim lessons!
  

4.Meeting new people

You will meet a lot of new people that may have the same interests as you. Whether you like to swim competitively or for recreation, or even enjoy the warmer weather - you're sure to make new friends. You never know who you could meet! It's always enjoyable to work in an environment when individuals share same likes as you. It won't even feel like work!

5. Great for your Resume

Yup, that's right! As a lifeguard you are not only enforcing safety, but are also responsible for many individuals other than yourself. As a lifeguard you must be good at multitasking, listening, excellent decision making skills, etc. Also, holding a summer job shows that you mature and dependable. These are all great skills future employers will be looking for.

If this sounds like a job that you would enjoy, check out the Red Cross to find a location near you to become certified. Once you have scored a lifeguarding job, we have all the Lifeguarding must-haves and extras! Be sure to check them out here!