lifeguard

noun

1. an expert swimmer employed, as at a beach or pool, to protect bathers from drowning or other accidents and dangers.

verb (used without object)

2. to work as a lifeguard.

noun

1. a person present at a beach or pool to guard people against the risk of drowningAlso called: life-saver

n.also life-guard, 1640s, “bodyguard of soldiers,” from life (n.) + guard (n.), translating German leibgarde. Sense of “person paid to watch over bathers” is by 1896.