Guidance: Lifeguard Skincare

GUIDANCE

Lifeguards need to take care of their skin. The role of a lifeguard can provide several skin complaints, including: 

• Sunburn - through lifeguarding in direct sunlight
• Chemical burns - through the spillage of hazardous chemicals
• Dermatitis - through repetitious exposure to damp/wet conditions, especially chlorinated water. 

Lifeguards can take care of their skin by: 

• Wearing suncream and their uniform when working for extended periods in direct sunlight. 
• Following appropriate storage, handling, and hygiene measures when using hazardous chemicals. 
• Wearing appropriate PPE when handling hazardous chemicals. 
• Rinsing skin exposed to chlorinated water with fresh water to remove chemical residue. 
• Avoid wiping wet hands on your uniform, as this can transfer skin complaints to other body parts.
• Always shower before and after swimming in chlorinated water. 

The HSE, NHS, and The Chartered Society for Worker Protection (BOHS) all set out detailed guidance on skin protection relevant to lifeguards and operators. 

References

HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition. Paragraph 183.

EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 Safety requirements for operation. Clause 7.7.4.

HSE. 2015. Managing skin exposure risks at work. HSG262, second edition

HSE . 2015. Preventing contact dermatitis and urticaria at work. INDG 233, revision 2. 

RLSS UK. 2023. Lifeguards working in hot weather at outdoor facilities. GS009, version 1. 

Citation: WIRH. 2023. Lifeguard skincare. Available at https://www.thewirh.com/blog/skin-safety accessed 6 June 2023.