Lifeguard tower

Arne Jacobsen-designed lifeguard tower at Bellevue Beach in northern Copenhagen, Denmark
Renzo Piano-designed lifeguard tower at Larvotto Beach in Monaco

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]

Leuty Lifeguard Station (c. 1920), Toronto, Canada

The towers have featured in television shows including Baywatch. Their construction is sometimes paid for with fundraisers,[2] and their operation and staffing is subject to funding availability.[3] Design contests have challenged architects to offer their visions of the structures.

  1. ^ "At around 11 a.m., water safety officers from the Kekaha lifeguard tower had confirmed the sighting. They spotted the reported whale slowly drifting some 300 yards off the point." http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/02/10/news/kauai_news/doc499129ab3c873126071696.txt
  2. ^ Gina McGalliard Bash for new DM lifeguard tower this Saturday Feb 5, 2009 http://www.delmartimes.net/news/253516-bash-for-new-dm-lifeguard-tower-this-saturday[permanent dead link‍]
  3. ^ Lifeguard tower to close as Palm Beach County budget cuts reach beach: Tower will be left empty as lifeguards join efforts to stretch public services. September 30, 2007 South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL)