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

A team of off-duty lifeguards sprinted across the sand to drag children to safety.

From Barron's

A day later, surf livesavers and lifeguards stood shoulder to shoulder on the beach in solidarity with the Jewish community.

From BBC

Facing the ocean while wearing their red-and-yellow uniforms, the lifeguards observed three minutes of silence.

From Barron's

As people scattered, lifeguards from two nearby beach clubs—including some that were attending a Christmas party— rushed into the area, said Steve Pearce, the chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW.

From The Wall Street Journal

When someone tells you not to worry because the lifeguard is paying attention, the relevant question is why the lifeguard looks nervous.

From MarketWatch