The Lifeguard Store

Specialties

The Lifeguard Store is the #1 place for all your lifeguard and swim equipment needs. We can do custom printing on any type of clothing from t-​shirts and hoodies to swimsuits.

History

Established in 1994.

In 1992, The Lifeguard Store concept was first revealed at a lifeguard instructor course in Hong Kong. While teaching the course, Mark Oostman discovered the lack of proper safety equipment and a relevant source to provide it. After returning to the States, Mark started the process of contacting manufacturers to set up an international distribution network.

Mark’s passion for aquatic safety started in 1987 at Centennial Beach, Naperville, Illinois while lifeguarding as a summer job. Mark then went on to Northern Illinois University where he was a nationally ranked swimmer. In 1992, Mark was offered a position to travel worldwide evaluating aquatic facilities. This eventually led him to Hong Kong where The Lifeguard Store vision was conceived.

In 1994, after working professionally in the aquatic safety environment for seven years, Mark started The Lifeguard Store in the basement of his 1887 historic home in Bloomington, Illinois.