In the realm of lifeguard t-shirts, what is there to look for? Does the lifeguard symbol have to be highly visible, so in an emergency, everyone knows who to go to? What else is there to look for?
The first thing to look for is if the word “LIFEGUARD” is visible on the t-shirt. Meaning can people in and around the swimming area easily see the “LIFEGUARD” lettering on the t-shirt. Having the lifeguard being easily identified is vital in an emergency situation. The people in and around the swimming area must know who to turn to in an emergency. Being identified also helps to establish authority in and around the swimming area. Also, during an emergency, EMS and other first responders know who to consult.
So, how should the lettering look like? Ideally the lifeguard lettering should be long enough to go from one side of the shirt to the other. And the height of the lettering is ideally 2 inches high. Also the font used should be clear and very readable. Meaning instead of having a fancy font, a more readable font is preferred. These 3 factors will dramatically increase the visibility of the lifeguard. Some places use different styles and smaller lettering. This can also be effective as the lifeguard is wearing the standard uniform and is identifiable in some way. If you want the highest visibility, the most effective way to be identifiable is the long lettering, and a good and clear height and thickness of the font.
We’ve discussed what’s on the front of the shirt, but what dog shirts Los Angeles about the back of the shirt? It is very beneficial to have the same lettering and size on the back of the t-shirt as well. This adds to the high visibility of the lifeguard. So no matter what direction the lifeguard is facing, he or she will always be identified, front and back. Many times the lifeguard is not just sitting down. Many times the he or she is walking along side the swimming area, moving along back and forth, watching the swimming area closely. So for this reason, it is important that the lifeguard be identified on the back side as well.
Now what should the color of the shirt be? Red is typically the color that signifies lifeguards. The most popular color for a lifeguard to wear is a white shirt with red lettering. The second most popular shirt is a red t-shirt with white lifeguard lettering. Other colors have also been used such as yellow and blue, as well as other loud colors. These colors are also effective since all the colors mentions are loud.
Now, let’s talk about the actual quality of the lifeguard t-shirt or tank-top. First you want a shirt that is 100% pre-shrunk cotton. This provides 2 benefits. One, the shirt being cotton, means that it will always be comfortable to wear. This is important as the shirt may be worn again and again. And sometimes it can be warn for up to 8 hours at a time. The second benefit is with the shirt being pre-shrunk, this allows for the lifeguard to wash the garment repeatedly without worry of the size changing. This is important as the shirt is constantly warn and washed and must always be ready and fit well for the guard to use during his or her next shift. When selecting your clothing, look for 100% pre-shrunk cotton.
Another quality aspect that many first time guards may not pay attention to, but still is important to consider when selecting a t-shirt or tank-top, is the ink. Will the ink stay on and last? As the shirt is being washed and washed, I have seen lifeguard t-shirts loose the red ink after just a few washings. You want your ink and lifeguard lettering to shine and glare even after many, many washings. The quality of ink I found that has been the most effective with the way the color is very crisp as well as the ink lasting and lasting on the shirt is “International Coating”
A really good manufacture will put on more than one coating on the shirt. There is one company that puts 3 coats of ink on the shirt. Using a quality, crisp ink and putting multiple layers on, ensures the ink will last after repeated use and washings.