Frequently Asked Questions
GuardPost, a brand of The Lifeguard Company, LLC
General
What is GuardPost?
GuardPost is a marketplace that connects you directly with independent, certified lifeguards and swim/safety instructors — for private events, productions, municipal facilities, and CPR/First Aid/lifeguard training. We're not a staffing agency: GuardPost doesn't employ, schedule, or supervise the Contractors on the platform. We help you find and contact them; the engagement itself is between you and the Contractor.
How does it work?
Search by zip code, browse verified profiles (rate, certifications, reviews, availability), and contact whoever fits your need through in-app messaging. You work out the details — timing, scope, payment — directly with the Contractor.
Is there a fee to search or contact someone?
No. Browsing, searching, and reaching out to a Contractor is free for Customers, event hosts, productions, and municipalities. Contractors pay a small fee to respond to your request — you're never charged for that.
Who pays the Contractor, and how?
You and the Contractor arrange payment directly — GuardPost doesn't process or hold payment for services rendered unless a listing says otherwise at the time of booking.
For Private Events & Individuals
Do I need a certain number of guests or a certain pool size to book a lifeguard?
No minimums. Whether it's a backyard pool party or a larger private gathering, you can search and contact a lifeguard directly.
How do I know a lifeguard is actually certified?
Every profile with a "Verified" badge has had its certification documentation reviewed by our team. Look for the Trust Tier shield too — Bronze means certification verified, Silver adds proof of liability insurance, and Gold adds a completed background check. See "Trust & Verification" below for what each tier actually confirms.
Am I responsible for making sure the lifeguard-to-swimmer ratio is right for my event?
Yes. GuardPost may show general ratio guidance, but you're responsible for evaluating whether a Contractor and your supervision plan are right for your specific event, including if minors will be present.
For Productions
Can I post a job for a production instead of booking one lifeguard at a time?
Yes — productions can post a listing describing the role, dates, and requirements, and certified lifeguards/instructors can respond directly.
Is there a production-specific process?
Yes, productions have their own posting flow, separate from a one-off private booking, built for the kind of detail a shoot or set typically needs.
For Municipalities
How is this different from hiring a staffing agency?
Staffing agencies typically charge a lump sum markup on top of what they pay the lifeguard. GuardPost charges municipalities a flat subscription to be listed — lifeguards and instructors contact you directly, with no markup on their rate.
What does the subscription cost?
Monthly and annual listing plans are available; current pricing is shown during municipality signup. Pricing is subject to change.
Can lifeguards reach us outside the app?
Yes — as a subscribing municipality, you can add a direct contact email and/or phone number to your listing so verified lifeguards and instructors can reach you outside of in-app messaging.
For Lifeguards & Instructors
Am I an employee of GuardPost?
No. You're an independent contractor. GuardPost doesn't set your schedule, dictate your rates, or supervise how you perform your work. You're free to work elsewhere.
What does GuardPost charge me?
A small fee to respond to a Customer's request. The fee depends on the type of request — guarding vs. instruction — and is always shown to you before you unlock any lead, so you know the cost upfront. There's no commission on what you charge the Customer or Municipality, and no fee to create a profile or get listed. Pricing is subject to change.
What if I pay to respond to a lead that goes nowhere?
If the Customer never responds, the request was fraudulent or a duplicate, or the opportunity falls through with no fault of yours, you can request a refund or account credit — just reach out within 3 days of your first contact with that Customer.
Can I offer instruction and guarding on the same profile?
Yes — one profile can hold both lifeguard and instructor certifications; you don't need separate accounts.
What kind of training can I offer through GuardPost?
Not just swim instruction — lifeguard training and recertification, Water Safety Instructor, Basic Life Support (BLS), and CPR/First Aid/AED training for companies, schools, and individuals.
How does GuardPost rank search results?
Verified and active Contractors rank above unverified or inactive ones; within that, ranking reflects customer review scores (new Contractors start at a neutral score, not the bottom). Staying active means updating your availability at least every 30 days.
What happens if I don't log in for a while?
After 30+ days without an availability update, your ranking is demoted (not hidden), with reminders sent. After 90+ days with no login, your profile is hidden from search until you return.
Trust & Verification
What does "Verified" mean?
It means our team reviewed documentation showing a currently valid lifeguard and/or instructor certification. It's a documentation check, not a skills assessment or a guarantee of conduct.
What are the Bronze, Silver, and Gold shields?
They're optional trust tiers that build on top of Verified status: Bronze — certification verified. Silver — certification verified, plus proof of liability insurance. Gold — certification and insurance verified, plus a completed background check. These badges are informational only — nothing about listing, search, or contacting a Contractor requires any particular tier.
Does GuardPost require background checks?
Background checks are optional and go toward Gold-tier status; they're not required to be listed on the platform. You're always responsible for evaluating whether a Contractor is the right fit for your event.
Cancellations & No-Shows
What counts as a no-show?
Failing to appear at the agreed time and place for a confirmed engagement without giving notice beforehand — by text, email, phone call, or other message.
What if I need to cancel?
Letting the other party know ahead of time — even shortly before the engagement, including within 48 hours of the scheduled start — is a cancellation, not a no-show, and isn't held against you.
Is GuardPost responsible if the other side no-shows or cancels?
No — GuardPost isn't a party to your engagement, so any resolution (refund, credit, rescheduling) relating to a no-show or cancellation is between you and the other party. We encourage both sides to confirm attendance directly before the day.
What happens if a Contractor racks up repeated no-shows or complaints?
After 3 no-shows, complaints, or negative reviews (in any combination), we review that Contractor's account and may suspend or deactivate their profile, for a set time or indefinitely. Contractors can appeal that decision.
Account & Support
How do I contact GuardPost directly?
Use the Contact / Support link in the site footer.
Where can I read the full legal terms?
See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, linked in the footer.