Lifeguard Costume
Save the day in this classic, easy-to-assemble red and white look.
The lifeguard is a classic, universally recognized costume that is both comfortable and highly customizable. Perfect for warm weather or indoor parties, people choose this look because it is budget-friendly, instantly recognizable, and easy to put together at the last minute. The core outfit consists of a red swimsuit or shorts, a white t-shirt or tank top, and signature safety accessories like a whistle and fanny pack.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $15–45
Try it on
See yourself as Lifeguard
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What you need for a Lifeguard costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Lifeguard costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Red Swim Shorts or Swimsuit
Bright red athletic swim trunks or a classic red one-piece swimsuit.
DIY: Use any red athletic shorts or red sweat shorts you already own.
White Lifeguard T-Shirt
A white crewneck t-shirt or tank top featuring a red medical cross and the word 'LIFEGUARD' printed on the chest.
DIY: Use a plain white t-shirt and draw a red cross with fabric markers or red tape.
Red Fanny Pack
A red canvas or nylon waist bag to hold your essentials, ideally printed with a white cross.
DIY: Use a plain red fanny pack or waist bag and add a white cross sticker.
Metal Whistle on a Lanyard
A classic silver metal referee whistle on a red or black woven lanyard worn around the neck.
DIY: Any plastic toy whistle on a string will work.
Red Visor or Baseball Cap
A red sun visor or baseball cap to protect from the sun and complete the beach look.
DIY: Go hatless or wear a plain white baseball cap.
White Zinc Oxide Cream
A small dab of white sunscreen or white face paint applied directly to the bridge of the nose.
DIY: Use a small dab of white Halloween face paint or thick white lotion.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Lifeguard costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red swim trunks, board shorts, or one-piece swimsuit.
- 2
Slip on the white 'LIFEGUARD' t-shirt or tank top over your swimsuit.
- 3
Fasten the red fanny pack securely around your waist or wear it across your chest.
- 4
Hang the metal whistle on its lanyard around your neck so it rests on your chest.
- 5
Place the red visor or baseball cap on your head, adjusting it to face forward.
- 6
Apply a small, visible swipe of white zinc oxide cream or white face paint across the bridge of your nose.
- 7
Finish the look by putting on a pair of simple flip-flops or white athletic sneakers.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair casual, messy, or wind-swept as if you just came from the beach. Makeup should be minimal and natural, highlighted by the signature swipe of white zinc oxide cream across the bridge of the nose.
Lifeguard for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up as a duo of Baywatch-style lifeguards, or have one person dress as a lifeguard and the other as a shark or a swimmer in distress.
- group
- Coordinate a whole beach patrol team with matching red jackets, whistles, and a red inflatable rescue can prop.
- kids
- A red hoodie, red sweatpants, and a toy whistle make a warm, comfortable version for trick-or-treating.
- Plus size
- Opt for a loose-fitting red athletic tee or a red zip-up hoodie paired with comfortable red board shorts.
- pet
- A red dog vest or bandana printed with a white cross makes an adorable 'K9 Water Rescue' companion.
Tips
- If wearing this in cold weather, swap the shorts for red sweatpants and add a red zip-up hoodie printed with 'LIFEGUARD' on the back.
- Keep your hands free by storing your phone, keys, and wallet inside the functional fanny pack.
- For great photos, strike a classic scanning-the-horizon pose with one hand shielding your eyes.
- Choose comfortable footwear like classic flip-flops for indoor parties, or white sneakers if you plan on walking a lot.
Lifeguard costume FAQ
- What does a basic lifeguard costume need?
- The essentials are red shorts or a swimsuit, a white shirt with a red cross, a whistle on a lanyard, and a red fanny pack.
- How do I make a DIY lifeguard costume last minute?
- Wear any red shorts and a white t-shirt. Use red tape or a red marker to draw a cross on the shirt, and hang any whistle around your neck.
- What should I wear on my nose for a lifeguard costume?
- A small dab of white zinc oxide sunscreen or white face paint on the bridge of your nose gives the classic, sun-protected beach look.
Did you know? The iconic red-and-yellow or red-and-white lifeguard uniform color scheme was standardized to ensure rescuers remain highly visible to swimmers in crowded water and from long distances.