Lifeguard tower
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lifeguard towers are used at recreational beaches or public swimming pools to watch and swimmers in order to prevent drownings and other dangers. Lifeguards scan for trouble from the structures, which vary from beach bungalows by the ocean to poolside towers. Lifeguard towers are also used to spot sharks and other threats.[1]
The American Lifeguard Association is one of only a few national certifying agencies for lifeguards. The U.S. Department of Labor[2] has determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard certification programs[3]
The towers have featured in television shows including Baywatch. Their construction is sometimes paid for with fundraisers,[4] and their operation and staffing is subject to funding availability.[5] Design contests have challenged architects to offer their visions of the structures.