Pool payoff: should you pay for your lifeguard's swimsuits?

Parks & Recreation, July, 2004

Does your department pay 100 percent of swimsuit and warm-up cost or do you request the guard staff to pay some portion of the suits? That was a recent question from Kettering, Ohio, on NRPA's forum, eCommunities. For information on how to join the discussion, select "eCommunities" from the right-hand side of NRPA's Web site (www.nrpa.org). Here are some of the responses about this summertime issue:

In years past, we have fully subsidized our staff swim suits and T-shirts. However, we have recently adopted a new policy whereby newly-hired staff members must purchase their suits and shirts up front. After a six-month probationary period, if they are still working and considered in good standing, we give them an evaluation and award them with a bonus equal to the cost of the uniform.--Blacksburg, Va.

We actually cover the cost of all of the suits for men and women. I also supply the shirt, shorts and sweatshirt.--Commerce City, Colo.

We pay up to $50 for swimsuit reimbursement. We also provide one uniform shirt (T-shirt) at no charge to employees, including lifeguards. --Charlestown, R.I.

My department has the lifeguard staff pay for their suits, and reimburses them if they make it to the day they have committed to. When we go all year round with our indoor facility, we will most likely do something based on hours worked.--O'Fallon, Mo.

The Aquatic Section purchases all guard supplies including suits, shirts, whistles, lanyards and thee shields. This year we also purchased hats for our staff. Each year is a little different depending on the amount to replenish rescue equipment.--North Las Vegas, Nev.

We provide shirts, hats, whistles, warm-ups, sunscreen, etc. Staff pays for swimsuits (a nominal cost) and has this automatically deducted from their paycheck.--Tucson, Ariz.

All staff receives a suit--$46 for board shorts and $42 for women's suits. Women staff get both, plus a $10 tee shirt. If they don't work for a full two months, then we charge them or they can return [the suits].--Hood River, Ore.

Yes, we pay 100 percent of the swimsuit, but the sweatsuit they pay for. We also provide one long sleeve and one short sleeve shirt.--Waukesha, Wis.

The Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation pays 100 percent for all lifeguard uniforms. This includes suit, shirts, whistles and lanyards. If the girls want to wear shorts over their suit, they purchase their own. --Virginia Beach, Va.

We currently pay for their shirt and suit, but are considering a change to just paying for their shirt.--Canton, Mich.

We purchase the suits for our staff. We also furnish staff T-shirts. --Pueblo, Colo.

Our guards pay for their suits and hats and we pay for the sweats, which are checked out each year.--Alexandria, Minn.

We have five outdoor pools. At this time we provide swimsuits for the lifeguards. We issue a sweatshirt that they are required to return at the end of the season.--Casper, Wyo.

The guards get a list of items for sale of approved work uniform/apparel and a "bank" of $35 (always subject to change), which will enable them to cover a swimsuit and two tee shirts. Anything above and beyond $35 they'd like--hooded sweatshirt, sweat pants, visor/caps, long sleeve tees and additional suit--they pay for. Equipment is consistent from year to year, so if it remains in good shape it can continue to be worn. We do provide lined, all-weather capes for our guard stands.--Lancaster, Penn.

We pay 100 percent of all costs. Our guards get a swimsuit (women also get a pair of cover shorts), hooded sweatshirt, sweat pants, baseball cap, T-shirt, whistle and lanyard. We spend about $90 per guard to uniform them entirely. I have approximately 60 lifeguards.--Beachwood, Ohio

We pay for two suits for each guard every summer.--Muskegon, Mich.

Our guards pay half of the swimsuit, hat, etc. We payroll deduct the other half for them.--Charlestown, S.C.

The city of Rockville, Md., provides lifeguards with a uniform (T-shirt and shorts). Those who wish to wear something other than these must purchase their own suit (black required).--Rockville, Md.

We pay for the suits and long sleeve tee shirts.--Glastonbury, Conn.

The town of Salem, N.H., pays for the guards swimsuit but only if they stay for the whole season. We reimburse them at the end of the season.--Salem, N.H.

We pay for 100 percent suit cost, provide a cap and T-shirt. Rain gear is assigned by facility. Guards must purchase any other outerwear. We restrict what can be worn on site by dress code.--Wausau, Wis.

We used to pay 100 percent until two summers ago, when we started having the guards pay 50 percent. Starting this summer, they will pay 100 percent. I hate making them pay, but my budget has been butchered so much that it has become necessary. Fortunately, I have very dedicated staff that have not complained (yet). We do purchase two T-shirts for everyone, however. --Manassas, Va.

We pay for the first swimsuit in full and if they want another suit they need to pay for that one.--Colchester, Vt.

We pay for first suit at beginning of season. If they want additional suits, they are responsible.--Clarksburg, W.Va.