lifeguard
gb/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd/ us/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd/
B1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
role
1
pool or beach safety worker
A person who watches swimmers and helps if someone is in danger in the water.
Usage pattern:
a lifeguard at/on [place]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes write it as two words (*life guard*). In modern English it is usually one word: lifeguard.
Synonyms
pool guard (Common in North American casual speech; usually at a swimming pool.)
|
beach guard (Less standard; refers to a lifeguard at a beach.)
|
rescuer (More general; not necessarily an official lifeguard.)
Collocations
lifeguard on duty
|trained lifeguard
|certified lifeguard
|beach lifeguard
|pool lifeguard
|lifeguard station
|lifeguard tower
|lifeguard chair
|call a lifeguard
|lifeguard rescue
Themes
jobs
|sports
|health
|safety
|water_sports
Examples
- The lifeguard blew the whistle and told everyone to move away from the deep end.
- There are lifeguards on this beach during the summer season.
- She worked as a lifeguard at the community pool after school.
Learner examples
- The lifeguard watches the swimmers.
- Call the lifeguard if someone needs help.
Grammar
Dictionary form
lifeguard
IPA
GB/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd/
US/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd/
Syllables & stress
life - guard (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (life)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: lifeguard
- Plural: lifeguards
Word family
Forms
lifeguards
noun
Related words
lifeguarding
noun
lifesaver
noun
lifesaving
adjective
Expressions
junior lifeguard
1/d͡ʒˈunjɚ lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd/
fixed phrase
youth lifeguard program
A young person learning lifeguard skills.
Examples
- My nephew joined the junior lifeguard program this summer.
- The junior lifeguards practiced rescues in the shallow water.
lifeguard certification
1/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd sˌɚtəfɪkˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
official lifeguard qualification
A document or status that shows you are trained to be a lifeguard.
Examples
- You need current lifeguard certification to work at this pool.
- He renewed his lifeguard certification before the summer season.
lifeguard chair
1/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd t͡ʃˈɛɹ/
fixed phrase
tall seat by pool
A tall chair where a lifeguard sits to watch swimmers.
Examples
- Please don’t climb on the lifeguard chair when no one is around.
- The lifeguard sat in the chair and scanned the pool.
lifeguard on duty
1/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd ˈɔn dˈuti/
fixed phrase
currently working lifeguard
The lifeguard who is working now.
Examples
- There was no lifeguard on duty when the pool opened early.
- The sign says ‘No lifeguard on duty’—swim at your own risk.
lifeguard tower
1/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd tˈaʊɚ/
fixed phrase
raised beach lookout
A tall place where a lifeguard watches the beach.
Examples
- We agreed to meet by the lifeguard tower at noon.
- The lifeguard climbed down from the tower and ran toward the water.
lifeguard training
1/lˈaɪfɡˌɑɹd tɹˈeɪnɪŋ/
fixed phrase
course to become lifeguard
Classes that teach you how to be a lifeguard.
Examples
- She signed up for lifeguard training at the recreation center.
- Lifeguard training usually includes CPR and rescue drills.