lifeguard

American  

[lahyf-gahrd] / ˈlaɪfˌgɑrd /

noun

1. an expert swimmer employed, as at a beach or pool, to protect bathers from drowning or other accidents and dangers.

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verb (used without object)

1. to work as a lifeguard.

lifeguard British  

/ ˈlaɪfˌɡɑːd /

noun

1. Also called: life-saver.  a person present at a beach or pool to guard people against the risk of drowning

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Etymology

Origin of lifeguard

First recorded in 1640–50; life + guard

Example Sentences

He also advises recreating in areas where there are lifeguards keeping an eye out for sharks and to avoid swimming or surfing around dawn and dusk when shark feeding behavior tends to peak.

From Los Angeles Times

The teenager told police he had been in the area of lifeguard tower 55 in the 11400 block of Vista Del Mar around 7:20 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

In May 2024, Jeffrey Little, an evangelical Christian county lifeguard, sued the county for requiring he work feet away from the flag.

From Los Angeles Times

I walk a frozen Bothnian Gulf at Nallikari, an obscured lighthouse, a delinquent lifeguard stand, and makeshift saunas stand on white expanse like archaeology.

From Salon

"The water is safe when there's a lifeguard and you have a life jacket on," he said.

From BBC