Frequently Asked Questions | Private Lifeguarding
Q: Do I really need a private lifeguard for my pool party?
Yes — and most parents who hire one say they'll never host a pool party without one again. A private lifeguard gives your event dedicated, professional water supervision. Unlike a parent trying to keep an eye on kids while also hosting, our lifeguards have one job: watching the water. We follow the industry standard of one guard per 25 swimmers, and all our guards are Red Cross certified in CPR and First Aid.
Your homeowner's insurance typically does not cover liability if a guest is injured in your pool during a private event.
A certified lifeguard maintains dedicated water supervision so you can focus on hosting. For events with children, multiple swimmers, or any guests who aren't strong swimmers, a professional lifeguard is the standard of care.
How much does it cost to hire a private lifeguard in Los Angeles?
A single certified lifeguard starts at $180 for a 3-hour minimum. Additional hours are billed at $60 per hour. For larger events with 25 or more swimmers, the 2-guard
package starts at $280 for a 3-hour minimum, with additional hours at $90 per hour. There are no travel fees within Greater Los Angeles.
Is there a minimum booking time?
Yes — the minimum booking is 3 hours. There is no 1-hour or 2-hour option. A single-guard booking starts at $180 for 3 hours. If your event runs longer, additional time is billed in 1-hour increments at $60/hour (1 guard) or $90/hour (2 guards).
Can I hire a lifeguard for a small gathering or playdate with just a few kids?
Yes. There is no minimum number of swimmers — if you have a small group of kids using the pool, a single lifeguard provides exactly the focused supervision you need. The
only minimum is time: bookings start at 3 hours at $180. A lifeguard for a small playdate is often the right choice precisely because there are fewer adults available
to help if something goes wrong.
Is a lifeguard required by law for a private pool party in California?
California law does not require a licensed lifeguard at private residential pools. However, many HOA pools, apartment complexes, hotel pools, and private venue pools require proof of a certified lifeguard on duty before allowing pool use during an event — check your venue's rules before booking.
Even where not legally required, the liability exposure from an unguarded pool during a private event is significant: homeowner's insurance typically does not cover injuries that occur during organized gatherings. Most clients hire a lifeguard not because the law requires it, but because it's the standard of care — and because it protects them if something goes wrong.
What does the lifeguard do when they arrive at my event?
Your guard arrives before guests enter the water. They conduct a pool safety walkthrough — assessing depth, entry points, drain locations, and any hazards — and establish a designated swim zone. Once guests are in the water, the guard maintains an active scanning position with an unobstructed sightline to the pool at all times. They enforce safety rules, manage swimmer behavior, and are prepared to respond to an emergency within seconds. At no point during the event does the guard leave the pool area unattended. When the booking ends, they confirm the pool is clear before departing.
What does the lifeguard do when they arrive at my event?
Your guard arrives before guests enter the water. They conduct a pool safety walkthrough — assessing depth, entry points, drain locations, and any hazards — and establish a designated swim zone. Once guests are in the water, the guard maintains an active scanning position with an unobstructed sightline to the pool at all times. They enforce safety rules, manage swimmer behavior, and are prepared to respond to an emergency within seconds. At no point during the event does the guard leave the pool area unattended. When the booking ends, they confirm the pool is clear before departing.
What is the lifeguard-to-swimmer ratio?
The industry standard is one certified lifeguard per 25 swimmers in the water at one time. For events with up to 25 swimmers, one lifeguard provides full coverage. For
events with 25 to 50 swimmers, two lifeguards are recommended. For events with more than 50 swimmers or multiple pool areas, call (626) 628-5419 for a custom staffing
plan. We will not recommend fewer guards than your event actually needs.
Can I hire more than one lifeguard for my event?
Yes. The industry standard is one certified lifeguard per 25 swimmers in the water at one time. For events with 25 to 50 swimmers, two lifeguards are recommended. For
events with 50 or more swimmers or multiple pool areas, call (626) 628-5419 for a custom staffing plan. The 2-guard package starts at $280 for a 3-hour minimum.
Are your lifeguards certified?
Yes. Every guard holds current American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid. Certifications are verified before any guard works an event.
Every guard is also background-checked and fully insured.
How are your lifeguards selected and vetted?
Every Ace's Lifeguarding guard passes a criminal background check before working any event. We verify current Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First
Aid, and only work with guards who have real-world pool supervision experience. Guards arrive in a professional uniform and conduct a pool safety walkthrough before
guests enter the water.
Do you carry liability insurance?
Yes. Ace's Lifeguarding carries general liability insurance on every single booking. This means that if a guest is injured at your pool event while our guard is on duty,
you have a layer of protection — you are not personally exposed to a claim arising from a water-related incident at your event. We can provide a certificate of
insurance upon request, which some venues, HOAs, and commercial properties require before allowing a lifeguard to work on-site. Every booking is covered, no exceptions.
Do you carry workers compensation insurance?
Yes. In addition to general liability, Ace's Lifeguarding carries workers compensation insurance. This protects you as a client — if a guard is injured on your property
while working your event, workers comp means you are not liable for their medical costs or lost wages. Many private lifeguard companies skip workers comp to cut costs.
We don't. Before booking any company, ask to confirm both liability and workers comp coverage.
Are you California AB5 compliant?
Yes. California AB5 establishes strict tests for worker classification, and compliance matters for you as a client — if a company misclassifies its workers, you can face
secondary liability for unpaid taxes and benefits. Ace's Lifeguarding operates in compliance with California employment law. If you are booking for a corporate event or
a commercial property that requires contractor compliance documentation, call (626) 628-5419 and we will provide what you need.
What should I look for when hiring a private lifeguard company?
Before you book any private lifeguard company, ask for:
(1) proof of current American Red Cross lifeguard certification,
(2) a general liability insurance certificate,
(3) workers compensation coverage — not just liability,
(4) criminal background checks on all guards,
(5) real event experience, not just pool supervision at a gym or camp,
(6) public reviews or professional references . Ace's Lifeguarding meets all six criteria.
If a company won't confirm any of these, look elsewhere.
What should I look for when hiring a private lifeguard company?
Before you book any private lifeguard company, ask for:
(1) proof of current American Red Cross lifeguard certification,
(2) a general liability insurance certificate,
(3) workers compensation coverage — not just liability,
(4) criminal background checks on all guards,
(5) real event experience, not just pool supervision at a gym or camp,
(6) public reviews or professional references, and
(7) a clear cancellation and no-show policy in writing. Ace's Lifeguarding meets all seven criteria.
If a company won't confirm any of these, look elsewhere.
Will I know which lifeguard is coming to my event?
Your guard's details will be confirmed closer to your event date. If you have any questions or specific preferences beforehand, call or text (626) 628-5419 and we will
make sure everything is set up the way you need it.
How do I book a lifeguard for my pool party?
Book online at acelifeguarding.com/activities — select your date, time, duration, and number of guards for instant confirmation. For custom events, large staffing
requests, or same-week availability, call or text (626) 628-5419
How far in advance do I need to book?
For summer weekends and holidays, book 1 to 2 weeks ahead — availability fills quickly between May and September. For major holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of
July, and Labor Day, 3 to 4 weeks in advance is recommended. Last-minute availability occasionally exists — call (626) 628-5419 to check.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your event receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of the event are non-refundable, as your guard has already
been confirmed and the time reserved. To cancel or reschedule, call or text (626) 628-5419.
What happens if there is bad weather on the day of my event?
If severe weather makes outdoor pool use unsafe, contact us as early as possible and we will work with you to reschedule at no additional charge. Light rain alone typically does not affect outdoor pool events. Lightning in the area is always grounds for clearing the pool and rescheduling.
What do I do if there is a problem on the day of my event?
Call or text (626) 628-5419 immediately. We monitor our phones on event days and will respond right away. Guards are confirmed in advance, so day-of issues are extremely uncommon.
What happens if my lifeguard doesn't show up?
We take reliability seriously. Your guard is confirmed in advance, and we monitor event-day status to catch any issues before they reach you. In the rare event of a last-minute emergency, we will contact you immediately and work to arrange a replacement or reschedule your event at no additional charge. If there is ever a problem on your event day, call or text (626) 628-5419 right away and we will make it right.
Do your lifeguards enforce pool rules during the event?
Yes. Our guards are active, not passive. They enforce pool rules — no running on the deck, no diving in shallow water, no roughhousing that creates a drowning risk — and
communicate clearly and professionally with your guests. If a swimmer's behavior creates a safety risk, the guard has the authority to remove them from the pool. Guests
typically respond better to a professional guard setting boundaries than to the host having to play referee.
Do your lifeguards bring their own equipment?
Yes. Every guard arrives with a rescue tube, whistle, and first aid kit. You do not need to provide any safety equipment. Guards conduct a pool safety walkthrough on
arrival to assess the swim area and establish a clear swim zone before guests enter the water.
What areas do you serve?
Ace's Lifeguarding serves Greater Los Angeles and Southern California, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, Pasadena, Encino, Calabasas, Manhattan Beach,
Redondo Beach, Torrance, Long Beach, and surrounding communities. No travel fees within the Los Angeles area. Call (626) 628-5419 to confirm availability for your
location.