Should Single Lifeguard Coverage Be a Thing of the Past? Why One Lifeguard May No Longer Be Enough

Opinion

Imagine a crowded pool on a summer afternoon, one lifeguard, lots of swimmers, and a single moment of distraction. Is this still an acceptable standard of care in 2025? Across the country, many aquatic facilities continue to rely on single lifeguard coverage. But evolving standards, and real-world incidents suggest that this model may no longer be sufficient—or safe.

Some states and local jurisdictions mandate two lifeguards for public pools, especially those with high bather loads, specific features, or large sizes. Many others follow a bather-to-lifeguard ratio, which would necessitate a second lifeguard once the number of swimmers reaches a certain threshold.

• In New Jersey, pools greater than 2,000 square feet or with more than 60 bathers must have at least two lifeguards on duty at all times. 

• Texas requires a minimum of two lifeguards for Class A (competitive) and Class B (open to the public) pools and any pool while it is being used for the recreation of youth groups, including youth camps, visiting childcare groups, or visiting school groups.  

  
  

These regulations reflect a broader shift toward prioritizing layered supervision and proactive risk management.

What National Standards Say

Most nationally recognized lifeguard training agencies either implicitly recommend or emphasize a team approach to care and do not support single guard operations. For example:

• The YMCA of the USA Aquatic Safety Guidelines encourages facilities to make it a priority to have multiple lifeguards on duty whenever pools are available for use. 

• American Red Cross protocols are based on emergency response methods requiring coordinated action by multiple rescuers, supporting the recommendation for staffing more than one lifeguard.

  
  

Training updates highlight a key development: today’s rescue protocols emphasize teamwork. These examples suggest an emerging preference for multiple lifeguards to better align with modern safety practices.

The Case for Multiple Lifeguards Over Single Lifeguards

With more than one lifeguard on duty, teams can respond just as they’ve been trained—quickly, effectively, and together. Staffing with more than one lifeguard isn’t just about compliance—it’s about capability. 

Multiple lifeguards provide:

• Improved zone coverage and surveillance of the entire pool area. 

• Safer guest interactions and swimmer testing without compromising vigilance. 

• Regular breaks and rotations, as recommended by the American Red Cross and other agencies (breaks at least once per hour). 

• Support for secondary duties like life jacket fitting, lane line adjustments, and chemical testing. 

• Enhanced emergency response, including more effective CPR, rescue breathing, and use of AEDs and oxygen when two trained rescuers are present.

  
  

Safer Practices When Staffing Falls Short

We recognize that budget constraints are real. For some facilities, immediate implementation of multi-guard coverage may not be feasible. However, there are practical strategies to reduce risk while working toward safer staffing models:

Emergency Action Planning

• Install push-button alarms or automated alert systems that activate audio-visual alerts when a lifeguard enters the water.

• Avoid relying on phones to activate the EAP and summon support —delays can be fatal.

Training & Drills

• Ensure lifeguards can respond to a victim within 20–30 seconds.

• Conduct daily checks of emergency systems.

• Include non-lifeguard staff in orientations, in-service training, and emergency drills.

• Train non-lifeguard staff in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent and First Aid to serve as second responders.

Operational Adjustments

• Provide hourly breaks through cross-trained staff or scheduled safety breaks.

• Certify non-aquatic staff or directors as lifeguards to assist during peak times.

A Safer Future Starts Now

While financial realities may delay full implementation, safety cannot wait. Start by identifying high-risk times—peak hours, special events, or youth group visits—and prioritize additional coverage during those periods. The question we must all ask is simple: Is one lifeguard ever truly enough?

Alan C. Mogridge, Regional Safety Director / Aquatic Safety Specialist, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, has been a youth-serving organization professional at numerous organizations throughout the northeast. At the age of 15, he worked as a YMCA camp counselor, lifeguard, and swimming instructor, and rose to a CEO position within the Y movement in 2014 prior to joining Boys & Girls Clubs of America in May of 2020. You can reach Alan at amogridge@bgca.org 

James Clark, Deputy Commissioner of Aquatics, City of Cleveland Parks and Recreation, has been a recreation professional for over 20 years working in parks and recreation, private health and wellness and more. He is "Best of Aquatics" Award Winner, SCUBA Instructor and ACE Certified Personal Trainer. Connect with Jim at jim43532@gmail.com.

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