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International Lifeguard Appreciation Day

Show your local lifeguards some love this International Lifeguard Appreciation Day - thank them for their hard work and dedication!

Friday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 31

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYFirst Responders

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Let's give a big round of applause to all the lifeguards around the world on International Lifeguard Appreciation Day on July 31! This day was created in order to recognize and thank these brave individuals for protecting beach-goers, swimmers and other water activity participants from harm. The history of lifeguarding dates back centuries, but it wasn't until the 19th century that it became an organized profession with standard training and safety protocols. So join us in celebrating International Lifeguard Appreciation Day by showing your appreciation for their hard work and dedication!

TIMELINE

International Lifeguard Appreciation Day Timeline

Origins of Lifeguarding

In the 1800s, lifeguarding became an organized profession with standard training and safety protocols, predominantly in the UK.

American Red Cross Founded

The American Red Cross was established; they would later play a large role in standardized lifeguard training in the United States.

First Lifeguard Training

The American Red Cross launched its first lifesaving service, contributing significantly to lifeguard training.

Lifeguard Services Expand

Public and private figures implemented lifeguard services at beaches and pools across the United States, recognizing their value in ensuring public safety during water activities.

Lifeguard Olympics

The first "Lifeguard Olympics" was held in California, USA, recognizing and celebrating lifeguarding as both a profession and a competitive field.

First Lifeguard Appreciation Day

International Lifeguard Appreciation Day was officially recognized and celebrated for the first time on July 31st to honor lifeguards worldwide.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Lifeguard Appreciation Day

Give thanks

Express your gratitude and appreciation to the lifeguards who are always there to lend a helping hand. Send them a thank you card or post a message of thanks on social media.

DONATE

Donate to an organization

Pick an organization that helps support lifeguards and their efforts and make a donation in their name. This will be a great way to show your appreciation.

Share stories

Share stories about how lifeguards have helped you or someone you know with others, or even write a blog post about it. This will help spread awareness of the importance of lifeguards and encourage others to appreciate them too.

ORGANIZE

Organize an event

Organize an event in your community to recognize the hard work that lifeguards put in every day, such as a picnic, beach party, or movie night.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Volunteer at a local beach or pool and help out the lifeguards. It's a great way to show your support and appreciation for their dedication.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Lifeguard Appreciation Day is Important

Lifeguards bring peace of mind

Knowing that a lifeguard is on duty can be invaluable when it comes to swimming safety. Parents don’t have to worry about their children being alone or getting into danger while they are away from them, as long as there’s a lifeguard on duty. This peace of mind is also helpful for those who just want to spend a day at the beach or pool without worrying about what could go wrong.

Lifeguards help keep swimmers safe

Lifeguards play an integral role in keeping poolgoers and beachgoers safe. Swimming is an activity that carries many risks, and lifeguards are trained to recognize and respond to potential dangers, ensuring the protection of those in the water.

Lifeguards help promote healthy lifestyles

Swimming promotes overall health and fitness, so having lifeguards around can encourage people to get out in the sun and stay active. Lifeguards also provide a source of encouragement for learning how to swim, which will help develop skills for physical health as well as mentally.

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