How to Choose a Private Lifeguard Company in LA: Red Flags and Questions to Ask
- Ace Lifeguarding
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 12
Not all private lifeguard companies are the same, and the gap between a real, insured service and a guy who lists himself online can be the difference between a safe event and a catastrophe you're personally liable for. Before you hand over a deposit, here's exactly what to verify — and the red flags that should make you keep looking.
7 Questions to Ask Before You Book
Any legitimate lifeguard company will answer all of these without hesitation. Ask them directly:
1. Are your guards currently certified? You want current American Red Cross certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid — not "trained" or an expired card.
2. Do you carry general liability insurance? If a guest is injured, this is what protects you. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
3. Do you carry workers compensation insurance? If the guard is hurt on your property, workers comp means you're not on the hook for their medical bills. Many companies skip this — it matters.
4. Are your guards background-checked? Anyone working around your kids and guests should have a completed criminal background check.
5. Do your guards have real event experience? Supervising a crowded private party is different from sitting at a quiet gym pool.
6. Can I see reviews or references? Public reviews or client references tell you how they actually perform.
7. What's your cancellation and no-show policy? Get it in writing, including what happens if a guard doesn't show.
Red Flags to Watch For
Walk away — or at least slow down — if you see any of these:
They won't provide proof of certification or a certificate of insurance
They carry liability insurance but no workers compensation
They're cash-only with no contract, invoice, or written terms
They can't or won't say who specifically is coming to your event
The price is dramatically below everyone else — someone is cutting a corner, usually insurance
No reviews, no website, no traceable business presence
They dodge direct questions or get defensive when you ask
A price that seems too good to be true usually means the company isn't carrying the insurance and coverage that protects you. That "savings" becomes very expensive if something goes wrong.
Why Insurance Is the One You Can't Skip
It's worth repeating because it's the most common gap. A private lifeguard with no insurance shifts all the risk back onto you, the host. If a guest is injured, you can be personally liable. If the uninsured guard is injured on your property, you can be liable for that too. Hiring an insured company — liability and workers comp — is the entire point of using professionals instead of asking a teenager with a certification to watch the pool.
How Ace's Lifeguarding Measures Up
We built our service around exactly these criteria. Every Ace's Lifeguarding guard is currently Red Cross-certified in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid; background-checked; and covered by both general liability and workers compensation insurance. We provide certificates of insurance on request, operate with clear written terms, and answer every one of the questions above directly. You can read more in our FAQ.
Pricing
1 Lifeguard: $180 for a 3-hour minimum, $60 per additional hour
2 Lifeguards: $360 for a 3-hour minimum, $120 per additional hour
No travel fees within Greater Los Angeles, no hidden charges, and no cutting corners on the coverage that protects you.
The Bottom Line
Hiring a lifeguard is hiring safety and liability protection — so vet the company like it matters, because it does. Ask the seven questions, watch for the red flags, and never skip insurance. When you're ready to book a service that checks every box, reserve online at acelifeguarding.com/activities or call (626) 628-5419.
Vetting coverage for a community pool? Learn about lifeguard staffing for your HOA or community pool — flexible recurring contracts with no giant minimum.
About the author — This guide was written by Ace Keith, founder of Ace Lifeguarding and an American Red Cross–certified lifeguard (Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid). Ace runs the service personally from Altadena and staffs certified, insured, background-checked guards for pool parties, HOA and apartment pools, and private events across Greater Los Angeles. He vets every guard himself, so your booking is never handed to an anonymous roster. Have a pool event coming up? Book a lifeguard.