Baywatch Lifeguard Costume
Hit the beach in the iconic red swimsuit and rescue buoy.
The Baywatch lifeguard is one of the most recognizable pop-culture looks of the 1990s, famous for its vibrant red swimwear and slow-motion beach runs. It is a popular choice for Halloween and themed parties because it is instantly recognizable, fun, and easy to put together. The look consists of a bright red swimsuit or board shorts, a yellow whistle, and the signature red rescue can.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
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What you need for a Baywatch Lifeguard costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Baywatch Lifeguard costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Red one-piece swimsuit or red board shorts
A high-cut, solid red one-piece swimsuit for women, or bright red athletic board shorts with a yellow drawstring for men.
DIY: Use any solid red swimsuit and fabric-glue a yellow circular lifeguard patch to the hip.
Baywatch lifeguard patch
A circular yellow and blue embroidered patch featuring the Baywatch lifeguard logo.
DIY: Print the logo on iron-on transfer paper and apply it directly to your swimwear.
Inflatable red rescue buoy
A lightweight, inflatable red plastic rescue can with a shoulder strap.
DIY: Cut a rescue buoy shape out of red poster board or thick foam, and attach a black nylon strap.
Yellow whistle with lanyard
A classic plastic sports whistle in bright yellow on a matching yellow or black lanyard.
DIY: Use any whistle you have and paint it yellow with acrylic paint.
Red zip-up windbreaker jacket
An optional lightweight red athletic jacket with a white zipper and yellow accents for cooler weather.
DIY: Use a plain red zip-up hoodie and fabric-paint 'LIFEGUARD' in yellow letters on the back.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Baywatch Lifeguard costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red one-piece swimsuit or the red board shorts.
- 2
If your swimwear does not have the logo, iron or fabric-glue the Baywatch patch onto the left hip of the swimsuit or the left leg of the shorts.
- 3
Hang the yellow whistle around your neck.
- 4
Drape the black strap of the red rescue buoy across your chest so the buoy rests at your hip.
- 5
Layer on the red windbreaker jacket if you need extra warmth or want the classic patrol look.
- 6
Style your hair with a wind-swept, beachy texture to complete the coastal aesthetic.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup natural, sun-kissed, and glowing with a touch of bronzer. Hair should be styled in loose, beachy waves, or kept in a simple, practical ponytail.
Baywatch Lifeguard for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up as two lifeguards, or have one person dress as a shark and the other as the lifeguard.
- group
- Gather a squad all wearing matching red swimwear and windbreakers to recreate the iconic beach patrol lineup.
- kids
- A red t-shirt with 'Lifeguard' printed on the front, red shorts, and a small foam whistle.
- Plus size
- A supportive red one-piece swimsuit or red swim trunks paired with a red zip-up rash guard or windbreaker for a comfortable fit.
- pet
- A red dog vest or bandana printed with a yellow cross and the word 'Lifeguard'.
Tips
- If wearing a swimsuit outdoors in cool weather, layer a red windbreaker jacket or red sweatpants over it.
- For footwear, simple flip-flops, white athletic sneakers, or going barefoot (if safe for the venue) works best.
- Keep the inflatable rescue buoy lightweight so it is easy to carry around all night without getting in the way.
Baywatch Lifeguard costume FAQ
- What do I need for a DIY Baywatch costume?
- You only need a red one-piece swimsuit or red board shorts, a yellow whistle on a lanyard, and a red plastic rescue buoy prop.
- How can I make the costume warmer for cold weather?
- Add a red zip-up windbreaker jacket, red track pants, or a red long-sleeve rash guard to stay warm while keeping the lifeguard aesthetic.
- Where does the lifeguard patch go?
- The circular yellow Baywatch patch is traditionally placed on the left hip of the women's swimsuit or the lower left leg of the men's shorts.
Did you know? Several cast members on the original Baywatch TV show, including Gregory Alan Williams and Michael Newman, were actual certified lifeguards before joining the series.