A lifeguard is a rescuer who supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool, water park, beach, spa, river and lake. Lifeguards are trained in swimming and CPR/AED first aid, certified in water rescue using a variety of aids and equipment depending on requirements of their particular venue. In some areas, lifeguards are part of the emergency services system to incidents and in some communities, lifeguards may function as the primary EMS provider.
A lifeguard (United States) on patrol during Hurricane Earl.
Red and yellow flag indicating a bathing area patrolled by lifeguards.
Picture of a lifeguard warning sign taken in Santa Barbara, California, in 2011
An enclosed lifeguard tower at Ala Moana Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii
Swimming is the self-propulsion of a person through water, or other liquid, usually for recreation, sport, exercise, or survival. Locomotion is achieved through coordinated movement of the limbs and the body to achieve hydrodynamic thrust that results in directional motion. Humans can hold their breath underwater and undertake rudimentary locomotive swimming within weeks of birth, as a survival response. Swimming requires stamina, skills, and proper technique.
A competitive swimmer performing the breaststroke
Swimmers perform squats prior to entering the pool in a U.S. military base, 2011.
Timurid conqueror Babur's troops swim across a river.
Children's bathing beach, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 1905