What you need for lifeguard swimming training

A lifeguard swimming training session needs more than swimwear and access to a pool. You will need rescue equipment for realistic drills, timing and communication tools for instructors, and practical supplies for registration and breaks. Check what the pool already provides before buying anything, especially rescue dummies, life rings, rescue lines and boards. Plan refreshments around the session length and participant count, and allow time to chill drinks and set up materials before the first briefing.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Clothes racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 45
Platesqty 45
Cutlery setsqty 45
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 6
Waterproof walkie-talkiesqty 4
Laptopsqty 2
Printers

Sports equipment

Rescue dummiesqty 3
Life ringsqty 4
Rescue linesqty 4
Rescue polesqty 4
Rescue boardsqty 2
Life jacketsqty 8
Swim finsqty 20
Swim boardsqty 20
Pull buoysqty 20
Dive ringsqty 12
Conesqty 12
CPR training mannequinsqty 3
Training matsqty 6
Whistlesqty 6
Waterproof scoreboardsqty 3
Swim capsqty 40

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Respirator masksqty 4
Disposable glovesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4

Registration

Name stickersqty 45
Ballpoint pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 6
Attendance listsqty 6
Certificatesqty 40

Cleaning

Towelsqty 20
Cleaning bucketsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Multigrain bread - 4 loaves
- Wholemeal rolls - 45 pieces
- Croissants - 40 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Margarine - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 1 kilogram
- Turkey fillet - 1.5 kilograms
- Ham - 1.5 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 1 kilogram
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Mixed salad - 1.5 kilograms
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 45 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Wholegrain crackers - 4 packs
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 tin
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Spa Blauw - 6 crates
- Spa Rood - 2 crates
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Lemonade - 6 liters
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 grinder
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Count one reusable drinking cup per participant, instructor and helper, plus around 10% extra. Pack plates, cutlery and serving platters if food will be served in the training room.
Allow at least one stopwatch for each active instructor or training station. Bring waterproof walkie-talkies for poolside communication and keep a megaphone available if the venue is noisy.
Confirm the pool’s equipment inventory at least 7 days before training. Rescue dummies, life jackets, rescue boards, fins, pull buoys and dive rings are easy to assume are available but may be shared with another group.
Plan roughly 500–750 ml of drinks per participant for a half-day session, then add more for hot conditions or intensive pool work. Chill the drinks before arrival and use coolers if the venue has no reliable refrigerator.
Pack registration and briefing supplies separately from pool equipment: laptops, a printer, attendance sheets, badges and waterproof communication equipment should be ready at least 30 minutes before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for lifeguard swimming training?: For practical rescue work, plan suitable rescue dummies, life rings, rescue lines, rescue poles, rescue boards and life jackets. Add training aids such as swim fins, swim boards, pull buoys and dive rings according to the number of stations and participants.
How many stopwatches are needed for lifeguard training?: Use at least one stopwatch per active instructor or exercise station. For example, four simultaneous stations require four stopwatches, with one spare if timing is central to the assessment.
How much food and drink should I buy for swimming training?: For a half-day session, allow about 500–750 ml of drinks per person and plan a light snack or meal break. Add roughly 10% extra cups and portions so late arrivals and instructors are covered.
When should I check the lifeguard training shopping list?: Check the list at least 7 days before the session, then verify borrowed or venue-owned equipment again 1–2 days beforehand. Do the shopping and chill perishable drinks before the training day whenever possible.

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