Lifeguard Station Equipment Check

This lifeguard station equipment check ensures all rescue and emergency equipment is present, functional, and properly positioned before each guard shift. Missing or malfunctioning rescue equipment during an aquatic emergency can mean the difference between life and death. This pre-shift inspection supports lifeguard readiness and meets American Red Cross and state aquatics regulatory requirements.

Industry: Sports and Recreation
Frequency: Before Each Lifeguard Shift
Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
Role: Lifeguard / Aquatics Supervisor
Total Items: 28

Primary Rescue Equipment

Verify primary water rescue equipment is present and functional.

Rescue tube at station and in good condition?
Rescue tube shoulder strap intact and secure?
Rescue board present and in good condition (if deep water or large facility)?
Reaching pole present, full length, and hook secure?
Throw ring (ring buoy) in place with attached throw line?
Throw ring line at least 50 feet in length?
Throw rescue bag present (open water or large pool) in good condition?
Rescue fins/swim fins available for guard use?

First Aid and AED

Check first aid supplies and AED readiness.

First aid kit present at or near station and stocked?
CPR barrier mask/shield at station?
AED location known and within 3-minute access from pool area?
AED indicator light showing ready/standby?
Emergency oxygen unit present and regulator functional (if required)?
Disposable nitrile gloves in multiple sizes available?
Spinal backboard with head immobilizer and straps accessible?

Communication Equipment

Test communication devices for emergency response.

Guard whistle present and functional?
Phone or radio functional and charged for emergency communications?
Emergency contact numbers posted at station (911, supervisor, facility EAP)?
Intercom or public address system accessible for patron alerts?
Emergency signal flags or paddle alert system available?
Communication devices tested with supervisor at shift start?

Station and Emergency Preparedness

Verify station setup and emergency plan access.

Emergency Action Plan accessible at or near station?
Lifeguard chair/stand stable and free of damage?
Guard has appropriate sun protection (sunscreen, polarized glasses) for outdoor?
Guard has hydration available for shift?
Guard rotation schedule posted and understood?
Guard lifeguard, CPR/AED, and first aid certifications current?
Shift log signed and station check documented?

Related Sports Recreation Checklists

Related Aquatics Checklists

Why Use This Lifeguard Station Equipment Check?

This lifeguard station equipment check helps sports and recreation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lifeguard / aquatics supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: before each lifeguard shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Lifeguard Station Equipment Check cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 4 sections: Primary Rescue Equipment, First Aid and AED, Communication Equipment, Station and Emergency Preparedness. It is designed for sports and recreation operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed before each lifeguard shift. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

Who should use this Lifeguard Station Equipment Check?

This checklist is designed for Lifeguard / Aquatics Supervisor professionals in the sports and recreation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.