Uniforms for lifeguards and swim teachers

Swim teachers have similar needs but spend longer standing still on cold poolside or in the water, and they are the face of lessons for parents. Here is how to kit out both.

Be visible from the water

Bright red and yellow are widely recognised as lifeguard colours, and many pools follow that convention. Whatever colour you choose, it should stand out against tiles, water and the public. Large printed 'LIFEGUARD' text on the back and front lets people identify staff from any angle.

Swim teachers often wear a different colour so parents can tell lessons staff from the lifeguard on duty. Printing the teacher's first name helps young children too.

Chlorine, damp and quick drying

Pool air and splashes fade cotton and weaken elastic fast. Performance tees and polos in polyester dry quickly between sessions and hold colour better. Plan for at least two or three tops per person, because damp kit that never fully dries soon smells.

Shorts should be lightweight and quick drying. Many lifeguards wear swimwear underneath so they can be in the water within seconds.

Layers for cold poolside and outdoor lidos

Poolside can feel chilly during early lessons, and outdoor lidos are cold most of the year. A zip hoodie can come off in one movement in an emergency, which is why many pools choose it over a pullover. A fleece or padded jacket suits outdoor pools and beach-style lifeguard posts.

Branded towels and robes are useful for teachers who spend whole sessions in the water and need to warm up between groups.

Where to put your logo

Print is the better choice for lifeguard tops: large, bold 'LIFEGUARD' or 'SWIM TEACHER' text on the back and a smaller version on the front can be read from the far end of the pool. Keep the pool or operator logo modest on the chest so it does not compete with the role text. Embroidery suits hoodies, towels and robes, where a neat logo lasts well. Add first names for swim teachers who work with young children.

Ordering for lifeguards and swim teachers

Most lifeguards and swim teachers start with performance T-shirts, sports shorts and zip hoodies. You can order from one garment and add more as you take people on. The logo price drops at 9 and again at 25 garments, and every garment with a small logo counts towards it, so mixing styles and colours still gets the better price. Before anything is made, we embroider an actual sample of your logo and email you a photo to approve, or you can pop in to our Hull workshop to see it.