International Lifeguard Appreciation Day
About International Lifeguard Appreciation Day
When is International Lifeguard Appreciation Day? This holiday is always celebrated on July 31
They don’t just sit around all day working on their tans. Rather, they are the heroes of the beach and poolside. A lifeguard’s duty is to protect and save your life. So, it is only fitting that we celebrate Lifeguard Appreciation Day annually, as a way of thanking them for the important role they play in public safety. On this July 31 holiday, give recognition to the young lifeguards who must be vigilant and alert every moment of their work shift.
It’s not easy to qualify to become a lifeguard. First, they must be strong swimmers. At the beach, they can encounter rough waters and dangerous rip currents. Candidates must take a course and pass a test. They must be certified. Training is extensive. It includes how to save someone who is drowning, resuscitation of drowning victims, first aid, and CPR. Only then, are they qualified to be a lifeguard. Then, they need to recertify every two years.
Sitting up on the lifeguard chair all day is not as easy as it looks. They are constantly alert, as they watch for swimmers in trouble. And on occasion, they dash into the water to save a swimmer who is in trouble. Lifeguards are the enforcers of the rules on the beach and at the poolside. The rules are established for safety. For example, most pools prohibit running along the slippery surface around the pool. And, most pools prohibit diving headfirst into the pool, which is also dangerous. Also, at an oceanside beach, they are always on the lookout for sharks.
While you are relaxing at the beach or having fun at a waterpark, the lifeguard is on station, keeping you and others safe. So, as you pass the lifeguard chair, offer a simple thanks for the important role they play
International Lifeguard Appreciation Day Trivia
Here is some interesting lifeguard trivia and fun facts:
- Lifeguards save approximately 10,000 people from drowning each year.
- In 1897, Captain Henry Sheffield invented the rescue can. Many decades later it is replaced with the rescue buoy.
- In 1914, the American Red Cross Volunteer Life Saving Corps began lifeguard programs to teach lifesaving and CPR.
- In the United States, there are about 4,000 drowning deaths every year.
- Only 1% of drowning deaths occur with lifeguard supervision.
- Rip currents account for over 80% of beach rescues.
- Most lifeguards are paid $10.00 – $15.00 per hour.
- In most areas, a lifeguard must be at least 15 years old.
How to Celebrate and Participate in International Lifeguard Appreciation Day
Here are some ways to celebrate and participate in International Lifeguard Appreciation Day:
- As you pass a lifeguard chair today, give them a big “Thank You.”
- Take a selfie with a lifeguard.
- Apply for the job. Usually, there are openings after the college kids go back to school.
- Bring them an ice-cold beverage.
Today's Quotes
“The problem with the gene pool is that there’s no lifeguard.” – – David Gerrold
“Unfortunately, there is no lifeguard inthe gene pool.” – – Author Unknown
History and Origin of International Lifeguard Appreciation Day
On July 31, 2020, Ellis and Associates in Matiland, Florida created International Lifeguard Day. The organization is the world leader in aquatic safety and risk management. Their established goal is to promote water and swimming safety and to increase awareness of the role lifeguards play.
Lifeguards are key professionals ensuring the safety of the public in and around water. This is an international holiday because it is important to recognize and support them all over the world.
We did not discover why this date was selected to celebrate Lifeguard Appreciation Day.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- The oldest recorded eruption of Mount Fuji in Japan. It has been dormant since 1707. (781)
- Marquise de Lafayette, at the age of 19, is made a Major General of the Continental Army. (1777)
- Tennis champion Evonne Goolagong was born on this day in 1951.
Related Articles
People who like International Lifeguard Appreciation Day will also like:
More July 31 Holidays
In addition to International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, here are more July 31 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:
More About Today
Explore more about the “happenings” on this date.
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in July. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous July Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Flower of the Day: Hummingbird Plant
Recipe of the Day: Avocado Dip
Holiday Insights, where every day in July is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Besides International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. What’s more, many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. July holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.