Lifeguard Swimsuits
From LoveToKnow Swimsuits
Lifeguard swimsuits are designed for ultimate performance.
About Lifeguard Swimsuits
Let's take a moment to consider the physical qualities a lifeguard needs to do the job.
- Speed is necessary to make it as quickly as possible to swimmers in trouble.
- Strength is needed to hold on to an exhausted swimmer who can no longer swim for himself.
- Endurance is required to swim for two long enough to make it back to dry land.
If lifeguards need these essential abilities, why would they accept anything less form their swimwear? That's why lifeguard swimwear is a cut above average bathing suits. Let's take a look at some of the top brands and styles that the pros choose for themselves.
Styles
Lifeguard suits are not as much about fashion as they are about function. Although you'll find modified versions of many of the basic styles available across the industry, you will not see added bows, buttons, ruching and other embellishments. These suits are designed for fit and decreased water drag. This is why you'll find many of the same styles listed for both men and women.
Most swimwear worn by water rescue professionals also prominently displays the word "Lifeguard" right on the suit. It's good to know who's who when you need help in a hurry.
For Women
Women's lifeguard bathing suits come in many styles.
- One piece: A one piece swimsuit was once standard gear for female lifeguards and is still a popular choice. It's no nonsense design stays in place and leaves guards free to focus on the job at hand.
- Tankini: This swimsuit hybrid provides nearly as much coverage as the one piece, but is actually a two piece. This style offers more versatility than any other, since you match top and bottom pieces any way you choose.
- Two piece: The one piece may be the classic lifeguard suit, but you can also sport a performance bikini if that's your style. Bottom pieces are usually cut in a boy shorts style, and tops are designed like sport bras with V-back straps for posture support.
- Roll top shorts: Roll tops make comfortable cover ups that go great with one piece swimsuits. The waist band sets just above the hips, is extremely comfortable and doesn't cut into your body. This maintains the smooth lines of the suit beneath.
- Board shorts: If you prefer more thigh coverage, board shorts are another great alternative to the standard scoop swimsuit bottom. Wear them with tanks, rash guards, tankini tops, and virtually any other swim top you can think of.
For Men
There's no lack of choices for male lifeguards.
- Classic trunks: Trunks are still around, but they've taken a back seat to modern board short styles.
- Speedos: These are the classic men's bikini brief. Nothing cuts water drag like wearing next to nothing, but this style truly peaked in the 80's, and is usually only seen on competitive swimmers today.
- Jammers: These are very similar to spandex cycling shorts, and they hug the body from hips to just above the knees. Think of them as extended speedos.
- Board shorts: Lifeguards, just like surfers, realize board shorts offer a lot of freedom of movement. Choices include long or short leg lengths.
- Tanks: Tanks allow unrestricted movement of the arms for fast swimming and maneuvering.
- T-shirts: T's are still a good choice for torso coverage and block out sun exposure on the shoulders.
- Rash guards: This is truly the performance top for men and women lifeguards, as well as many other sports enthusiasts. Rash guards come in long and short sleeve versions, and the smooth combination of nylon and Lycra makes them fit like a second skin. Virtually no water drag here, plus a little added insulation from UV rays and cold water.
- Wet suits: Another unisex style, wet suits come in long and short styles. UV protection is often built right into the material, and the suits are sleek and form fitting.
Brands
Speedo
Speedo is synonymous with performance in the swimsuit industry, and their line of lifeguard swimsuits is no exception.
Examples:
- The women's Endurance Lifeguard® Flyback is a one piece suit made with a performance fabric that defies snagging, sagging and repeated exposure to chlorine. The suit has crossed straps that meet in the center of the back panel, so there's never a worry about slippage.
- Men's Lifeguard® Solid Board Shorts feature quick drying fabric, velcro flies and side pockets to store essentials.
TYR
This brand is definitely making waves in performance swimsuit circles.
- The women's TYR® Guard Tri-Color H-Back Tankini features a three-quarter tank top with thin-line straps, paired with a high-cut bikini bottom. The suit is made from a high performance Antron/Lycra blend.
- Men will likely appreciate the casual style and comfort of the Lifeguard Hydroshort. A combination of outer nylon shell and inner mesh lining assures these suits will dry quickly.
Dolfin
Dolfin carved out its niche in the swimsuit industry over fifty years ago, but its designs are as relevant as ever.
- For women, the two piece Y-Back is an easy choice. The top features Y-straps that guarantee support and posture, and a wide elastic chest band that keeps the top from inching up. The bottom piece is cut sufficiently high around the hips to offer freedom of movement, but the backside is a full scoop bottom.
- For men, Dolfin's Jammers offer a fit like a second skin.
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