Lifeguard

:For the British Army regiment see the Life Guards

Lifeguards in different nations

In Australia lifeguards are distinguished from Surf Life Savers. Lifeguards are paid employees who patrol, beaches, lakes and pools/aquatic venues. Beach lifeguards are usually employed by local government authorities and parol the beach throughout the year. Surf Lifesavers are a large voluntary organisation that patrol beaches on weekends and public holidays during the warmer months (usually from mid-September to late April).

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In Canada, all lifeguards are certified by the Lifesaving Society of Canada (LSS) formerly the Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada, a nonprofit organization. The lifeguarding certification is the National Lifeguard Service, known as NLS. NLS is the only recognized lifeguarding certification in Canada. This is why the LSS says "we are Canada's lifeguarding experts." The prerequisites for NLS are Bronze Cross (the prerequisite for Bronze Cross is Bronze Medallion, which has a requirement of being 13 years old or having Bronze Star) and Standard First Aid and CPR-C. The LSS is the certifying body for all of these certifications though first aid awards from the Red Cross and other institutions are also accepted. The LSS motto is "Whomsoever you see in distress, recognise in him or her a fellow person".

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In the United Kingdom, there are three bodies that train Lifeguards. The Swimming Teachers Association (STA), the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) and the Surf Life Saving Society (SLSS). There are also joint ventures with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to provide well funded beach lifeguards. An example of an inland Lifeguard organisation is Colwick Park Lifeguards, who primarily provide water safety cover on lakes and rivers for large events.

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