CORPORATE POLICY MANUAL

TITLE: THE LIFEGUARD DIVISION: Recreation

No: 5 – Lifeguard Uniform CROSS REF. (Policy #):
PREPARED BY: Jean-Christophe MARCHIN APPROVED BY:
Director of Recreation Projects Regional
REVIEWED/UPDATED ON: 28th April 2005 LAST ISSUE:
DISTRIBUTED TO:

It is a policy of Shangri-La for Beach Lifeguards to comply the following

procedure.

A LIFEGUARD'S UNIFORM PROVIDES TWO DISTINCTIVE ROLES, WHILE IT MUST

BE FUNCTIONAL AND SATISFY MINIMUM HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
PROTECTING THE LIFEGUARD, IT ALSO HAS THE OTHER VITAL ROLE OF
IDENTIFICATION. WHENEVER A LIFEGUARD IS ON DUTY, THEY MUST BE
CLEARLY VISIBLE AND IDENTIFIABLE SO THAT THEY CAN BE CALLED UPON IN
AN EMERGENCY

International Background
The position statement issued by ILSF (International Life Saving Federation) on the 18th
February 2004, recommends the colors for lifesaver and lifeguard uniforms be red &
yellow, as they have been worn by ILSF Member Federations for many years with
success in that they are readily distinguishable against the many people and colors they
may be wearing while in, on or around aquatic environments.

This equates to 56 full member countries and 15 associate members all promoting the
red and yellow lifeguard uniform. These countries include (but not limited to):
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom / Great Britain
• Singapore
• Indonesia
• Fiji
• Japan
• Hong Kong
• South Africa
• Canada
• USA (inc. Hawaii)
• Brazil
• Germany
• Greece
• Italy
• France
• Spain

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• India
• Malaysia

DESCRIPTION:
Type
a] Clothing provided for beach lifeguards must be functional and allow freedom of
movement if entry into the water is required, e.g.: polo shirt and shorts.
b] The clothing must also be applicable to the environment at the resort.

Identification
The clothing must be distinctive in colour and design to enable guests and
hotels/resorts staff to easily identify the person on duty. Lifeguards are only to wear a
uniform of red and yellow colors to enable easy identification in an emergency and as
per following red shorts and yellow shirts.

Avoidance of skin cancer

All lifeguards in outdoor pools must be required to wear the uniform as described above,
sunglasses (an exception may be while communicating with people), cap and SPF 15+
broad spectrum sunscreen. This is not only a personal safety measure but provides an
important role model for other users

Eye Protection
I recommend that lifeguards wear sunglasses - this recommendation is also
substantiated by medical advises, long exposure to UV radiation can damage the
cornea and lead to cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye that can loss of vision.
Some recommendation in order to choose the right sunglasses.

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• People must choose glasses labeled to block 99-100% UV-A and UV-B light. UV,
or ultraviolet, radiation in sunlight is linked to eye disease. Price has no bearing
on UV light protection.
• UV light protection comes from a chemical coating applied to the lens, not from
the color or darkness of the lens.
• Polarized lenses cut reflected glare and are useful for driving and fishing.
Polarization has nothing to do with UV light protection, although many are now
combined with a UV-light blocking substance.
• Large-framed wraparound sunglasses can protect the eyes from all angles, as
opposed to ordinary eyeglass frames that may allow light to enter.
• Even if people wear contacts with UV protection, they must remember
sunglasses.
• In addition to the damage caused by a lifetime of exposure to bright sun, eyes
need to be protected from acute damage caused by single outings on very bright
days. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand or pavement can
damage the cornea, the eye's surface. Similar to sunburn on the skin, corneal
ultraviolet injuries are painful, but usually heal quickly.
And . . .
• . . . Ophthalmologists recommend that people wear 99-100% UV-absorbent
sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat whenever they are in the sun long enough to
get a suntan or sunburn.
• Don't be fooled by a cloudy day. The sun's rays can pass through the haze and
thin clouds.

Footwear
a] Lifeguards must wear footwear, which is suitable for the task being performed.
b] Thongs are not regarded as suitable footwear as they may not be safe when
urgent action is required.
c] Relevant occupational health and safety regulations must be adhered to.

There are literally hundreds of varieties of sandals on the market today, most of which
perform marginally well in the water. However, few of these sandals are truly designed
for active watersports / lifeguarding use. Here are a few things to look for when
shopping around for them.

Foot Protection: It is absolutely CRUCIAL to have a toe guard in place on the sandal. A
handful of sandals will come with a toe guard that literally encompasses the toes. These
types of water sandals provide the best protection for the foot. Other sandals will come
with what I call a "toe stop," which is basically a mini-wall in front of the toes. While the
protection provided by these sandals is somewhat less, this "toe stop" does protect the
toes from by far the most common foot injury - a stubbed toe on a rock, tree or anything
else that is hard. Preventing this type of injury is especially important in water sports /
lifeguarding where employees spend lots of time getting in/out of the water, walking and
running around in the water for rescue / emergencies.

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Some samples:

Protective Equipment
All lifeguards must carry a minimum of a resuscitation pocket mask, a pair of
disposable gloves to provide protection from cross infection of diseases when
performing resuscitation or elementary first aid, and a signaling device such as a whistle
type Fox 40 Classic.

(Resuscitation Pocket Mask)

(Fox 40 Classic)

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