Guidance: Lifeguard uniform

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Those providing poolside supervision should wear a distinctive uniform or clothing that enables pool users to distinguish those providing poolside supervision from other employees at the pool. There is no requirement for specific colours or footwear to be worn. The selected clothing should not hamper a lifeguard's work, such as while rescuing or climbing a high-chair. A whistle and other equipment which a lifeguard should be considered. Where an operator decides on specific equipment as part of its risk mitigation, it should provide that equipment at its own expense in the UK.

Operators providing clothing or equipment to employees individually should advise on the hygiene and maintenance standards expected whilst that clothing or equipment is in an employee's custody. If your employer provides you with a uniform that requires you to wear and return if you leave and does not pay you to wash or maintain it, you may recover your tax relief directly from HMRC. 

References

HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition. Paragraphs 148-150. 

Clause 7.4.8. EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 Safety requirements for operation

HMRC. 2019. Flat rate expenses for uniforms, work clothing, and tools. P87. 

Citation: WIRH. 2023. Lifeguard uniform. Available at https://www.thewirh.com/blog/uniform accessed 6 June 2023.