International Life Saving Federation

Background

Lifesavers and lifeguards throughout the world are called upon to provide safety services at a range of water environments that include swimming pools, beaches, lakes, river front and other waterfronts.

In providing these aquatic safety services, it is important that the people using these environments for aquatic activity can readily identify the lifesaver or lifeguards for:

1. Guidance on safety issues.
2. Assistance in times of need.

As such the lifesavers and lifeguards should be readily distinguishable against the many people and colours they may be wearing while in, on or around these aquatic environments.

The red and yellow colours have been used by a number of ILS Member Organisations for many years to such an extent and with much success that red and yellow has become synonymous with lifesavers and lifeguards in these countries.

Statement

1. Red and Yellow is the preferred colours used for lifesaver and lifeguard uniforms.
2. Where practical, lifesaver and lifeguard equipment should be red and yellow.

References

RLSSA Victoria Branch (1996), Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation, Melbourne, Australia: RLSSA Victoria Branch

Approved by the ILS Board of Directors: 20/02/2004