Whistle Codes for Lifeguards

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Whistle Codes provide a means of staff communication.

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Diagram of a lifeguard using a whistle for communication

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One Short Whistle Blast

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To get a guest's attention.

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Two Short Whistle Blasts

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To get the attention of another lifeguard or staff member.

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One or Two Long Whistle Blast(s)

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To activate the Emergency Action Plan (EAP), indicating an emergency that may require a rescue and the assistance of others.

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Whistle

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Series or pattern of whistle blasts to communicate with guests or to activate your EAP

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Telephone

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To request assistance from outside authorities such as EMS, Police, and Fire Departments

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Two-way radio

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Codes or phrases used to succinctly communicate internal messages or actions privately among facility staff

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Flag signals

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Communicate hazards to guests in open water environments or to transmit messages to other open water lifeguards

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Hand signals

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Communicate messages to other lifeguards and/or supervisors

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Megaphone alerts

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Direct guests or communicate information