# lifeguard

/ˈɫaɪfˌɡɑɹd/ (US) · /lˈaɪfɡɑːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lifeguard
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. water safety rescuer

noun · CEFR A2

a person at a beach or swimming pool who watches swimmers and rescues them if they have trouble in the water.

For teachers: a professional rescuer, usually an expert swimmer, employed to monitor swimmers and intervene in cases of potential drowning or distress.

- The lifeguard blew her whistle when she saw the children swimming too far from the shore.
- The municipal pool requires at least two lifeguards to be on duty at all times to ensure the safety of the patrons.

Usage: Countable noun; usually used with the definite article when referring to the person on duty.

### 2. a personal guard

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

a person or group of soldiers whose job is to protect an important person, like a king.

For teachers: a bodyguard or elite military unit tasked with protecting the life and person of a monarch or high-ranking official.

- The king was always surrounded by his loyal lifeguard whenever he left the palace.
- Historically, the sovereign's lifeguard consisted of elite cavalrymen chosen for their unwavering loyalty and physical prowess.

Teaching tip: In modern English, 'bodyguard' is the standard term; this sense is mostly found in historical texts or specific military titles like the Life Guards in the British Army.

### 3. train wheel protector

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · British English

a metal frame on the front of a train that pushes small objects off the tracks.

For teachers: a sturdy metal bracket or fender fixed in front of the leading wheels of a locomotive to deflect obstacles and prevent derailment.

- The engineer checked the lifeguard for damage after the train hit some debris on the tracks.
- The safety inspection revealed a hairline fracture in the locomotive's lifeguard, necessitating an immediate repair before the next journey.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specialized railway term; in American English, the larger version on the front of a steam engine is often called a 'cowcatcher'.

## Examples

- The lifeguard blew her whistle when the boy ran near the pool.
- Every summer, the city hires a certified lifeguard to monitor the public beach and provide first aid to visitors.
- While the primary duty of a lifeguard is to intervene during active drownings, much of their time is spent on preventative measures like identifying dangerous rip currents or enforcing diving restrictions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.