Version: 2
Last updated: January 2026

 Download this RLSS UK Guidance Statement

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Introduction

A lifeguard is a professional role, and it is important that the uniform worn is functional and looks professional. The purpose of this guidance note is to help operators define their own uniform policy.

Operators may also use the guidance to define their policy for emergency responders.

General Uniform

A lifeguard’s uniform should:

1. Be safe when performing lifeguard tasks, including changing directions on the wet poolside, performing rescues, and cleaning duties.
2. Be suitable and does not impact the lifeguard’s ability to perform their role, including rescues and dealing with emergencies.
3. Leave the neck unobstructed.
4. Be appropriate for the environmental conditions, including working outdoors in extreme weather conditions, in hot and humid indoor pools, and around wet and damp surfaces.
5. Quickly dry (where possible), lightweight, and free of entrapment or entanglement hazards.
6. Be available in various sizes and accommodate different body shapes.  We advise operators to adopt a unisex uniform policy or permit staff to wear a uniform which aligns with their gender or preference.
7. Be visible and distinctive from non-lifeguard staff to make it easy for customers to identify a lifeguard.
8. Be inclusive and culturally sensitive to accommodate the reasonable requirements of workers with additional religious or functional clothing needs or customer values.
9. Include relevant lifeguard equipment, such as a whistle.
10. Be regularly washed and reasonably maintained by the employee.
11. Be returned to the employer where a worker is no longer required to perform lifeguard duties.
12. Not be worn outside the work environment, except when travelling to and from work, or where it is permitted by the employer when attending corporate events or activities.

Jewellery

1.  Lifeguards should not wear jewellery which may present a hazard to the lifeguard or others.

Medical Bracelets

1. A medical bracelet is jewellery such as a bracelet or necklace that is engraved with essential health information, such as conditions, allergies, or medications, to inform healthcare providers in emergencies and ensure safe, appropriate care.
   
   Lifeguards with medical conditions may wear a medical bracelet whilst they are performing their duties. Careful consideration needs to be given by the pool operator as to the type of medical bracelet used by the lifeguard to prevent any hazards during a rescue. A tight-fitting medical or silicone bracelet worn around the wrist may pose less of a hazard than a loose-fitting bracelet made from other materials.

Footwear

1. Lifeguard footwear should be suitable for the tasks that the lifeguards are completing.
2. Footwear should be suitable and safe for:
   • manoeuvring safely around wet and contaminated floor surfaces
   • tasks requiring lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
3. Operators should consider how best to protect an employee’s foot health for the remainder of their shift if they enter the water wearing their footwear.

Religious Beliefs

1.  Religious necklace - An appropriate necklace may be worn as part of a person’s faith.
2. Face covering - Head and/or face coverings worn for religious reasons are permissible as part of the lifeguard uniform. The employer should provide a quick-drying, tight-fitting head covering designed for use in the water that closely mimics the type of head and/or face covering worn outside the workplace.
3. Kirpans - The kirpan is a curved, single-edged blade that Khalsa Sikhs wear as part of their religion. A lifeguard is also permitted to have on their person a kirpan if it is worn in accordance with the individual’s Sikh faith. Employers are entitled to place restrictions on the safe length of the kirpan, and it is recommended that the blade be safely and securely encased so as not to cause harm if brought into accidental contact with others and is no more than three inches long.  

Nails

1.  Nail length should be appropriate to avoid adverse impact on a lifeguard’s performance, such as during rescues, recovery, and when performing CPR.

Further Guidance

Lifeguards - Mobile Phones and Smart Devices (GS001)

References

R (Gulshan) v Lord Chancellor [2023] EWCA Civ 306
Eweida and Others v United Kingdom [2013] ECHR 37