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The official guide to lifeguard hand signals

Life saving: hand signals help lifeguards and surfers communicate to and from the beach | Photo: Shutterstock

Out in the high surf, fast communication can mean the difference between life and death.

When a lifeguard rushes into the water to save someone from drowning, every second counts and clear signals ensure the rescue goes smoothly.

While radios and whistles could help, hand signals remain the most reliable way for lifeguards to communicate - especially when waves break, wind roars, and distance makes shouting impossible.

As surfers, you are often the first to spot trouble and, in many cases, the first to assist.

Knowing these international lifeguard hand signals can help you work alongside lifeguards in emergencies, making rescues safer and more effective.

You could be guiding someone in distress toward help, relaying a lifeguard's message from the lineup, or assisting in a rescue.

So, understanding these signals could save a life.

According to the World Health Organization, around 300,000 people die by drowning.

In 2022, Hawaii lifeguards rescued 2,682 people and performed 187,322 actions to prevent beachgoers from engaging in unsafe practices.

Here's a breakdown of the essential hand signals adopted by the International Life Saving Federation (ISLF) used by lifeguards worldwide, as well as a slightly different version used down under by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).

If you're in the water, you can help. If you're at the beach, get to know the universal code of beach flags and warning signs.

International Life Saving Federation (ISLF): Hand Signals

International Life Saving Federation (ISLF): Hand Signals | Illustration: ISLF

Water to Beach & Beach to Water Signals

  1. One arm waved to and fro above the head: The lifeguard in the water needs further assistance. This may be due to a badly panicky patient, multiple patients, or an injury to the lifeguard sustained in the response. Backup by rescue craft or other swimmers is required immediately;
  2. Both arms raised to form a cross above the head: This is the most serious signal of all. A swimmer is missing and presumed submerged. Other lifeguards on shore or on the pool deck should immediately fix the position of the lifeguard and initiate an appropriate response;
  3. Touch the middle of the head with the fingertips of one hand: The lifeguard is indicating that no help is required in performing the rescue and that the patient is stable. However, other lifeguards should continue to observe and monitor the situation as the situation can deteriorate;
  4. One arm waved in a circular manner above the head, and the other arm held parallel to the water's edge and horizontally to the ground: This signal indicates that swimmers are in need of rescue. Once the signal is acknowledged, direct the lifeguard to the swimmers (see directional signals);
  5. Two arms held vertically above the head: The lifeguard in the water should move further out to sea or away from the pool deck from where the lifeguard giving the signal is standing;
  6. One arm held vertically above the head: The lifeguard in the water should move towards the shore or closer to the pool deck towards where the lifeguard giving the signal is standing;
  7. One arm held parallel to the ground and pointed in the required direction (left): The lifeguard in the water should move in the direction indicated (left);
  8. One arm held parallel to the ground and pointed in the required direction (right): The lifeguard in the water should move in the direction indicated (right);

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA): Hand Signals

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA): Hand Signals | Illustration: SLSA

Beach to Water & Water to Beach Signals

  1. To attract attention between a boat and the shore;
  2. Return to the shore;
  3. Remain stationary;
  4. Message not clear - repeat;
  5. Pick up swimmers;
  6. Investigate submerged object;
  7. Proceed further out to sea;
  8. Go to the left or the right;
  9. Message understood - all clear;
  10. Pick up or adjust buoys;
  11. Assistance required;
  12. Boat wishes to return to shore;
  13. Emergency evacuation alarm;
  14. Shore signal received and understood;
  15. Search completed;


Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com



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