Why Hiring a Lifeguard for Your Backyard Get-Together Is More Than Worth It
Backyard pool parties are some of the best parts of summer — laughter, music, good food, and the joy of splashing around with friends and family. But amidst all the fun, safety can’t take a back seat. While hiring a lifeguard may not be the only answer to keeping everyone safe, it is one of the most effective ways to ensure eyes are always on the water.
Here’s the truth: it only takes a few seconds for a fun afternoon to take a scary turn.
When I was younger, we were at our annual family reunion — a big event filled with love, tradition, and, of course, pool games. One of the challenges was to see who could hold their breath and swim the most lengths underwater. Most of us dropped out early, but one of my cousins and my uncle kept going. What seemed like harmless fun quickly became a terrifying moment. My cousin stayed under just a bit too long. We thought she was playing. She wasn’t. She was in real danger. Thankfully, someone noticed in time — but those seconds could’ve changed everything.
That moment stuck with me.
It’s exactly why we stress the importance of having someone always dedicated to watching the pool — not chatting, not cooking, not distracted with kids or drinks — just watching. And let’s be honest: at most family gatherings or celebrations, it’s unrealistic to expect one person to commit solely to pool supervision. That’s where a professional lifeguard comes in.
Why Hire a Lifeguard?
Trained Eyes on the Water – Lifeguards are trained to recognize the signs of distress before they turn into tragedy. They’re not just watching, they’re actively scanning.
Peace of Mind – Hosts and parents can relax and enjoy the event knowing a professional is there to help keep everyone safe.
Unbiased Oversight – A lifeguard isn’t emotionally involved, distracted by relatives or party planning. Their job is clear, and they take it seriously.
Lifeguard Coverage Recommendations
As a general guideline, we recommend:
1 lifeguard per 15 swimmers
For smaller groups, especially when kids are involved, having even one trained lifeguard makes a huge difference.
In Ontario, the supervision requirements for swimming pools are governed by Ontario Regulation 565: Public Pools. While this regulation specifically applies to public pools, it provides valuable guidance on safe supervision practices that can be adapted for private settings, such as backyard gatherings.
According to the regulation, the minimum number of lifeguards required for a public pool with a water surface area of 500 square metres or less is as follows:
1 lifeguard for 0–30 bathers
2 lifeguards for 31–125 bathers
If you’re not hiring a lifeguard, you must designate one responsible adult to act as the pool watcher at all times — ideally rotating shifts every 15–30 minutes. But again, during busy, social events, that’s often not realistic.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re planning a backyard pool gathering and want that extra layer of safety — for the kids, the guests, and your peace of mind — contact us. We’ll send a certified lifeguard to your event so you can focus on making memories, not managing risk.
Because safety shouldn't be an afterthought. Let’s keep the good times rolling — and the swimmers safe.
Hire a lifeguard: https://www.lemonadecollective.ca/hire-a-lifeguard