Definition of "life-guard" [life-guard]

• A guard of the life or person; a guard that attends a prince or other person; a body-guard. (noun)
• Brushes or some other device placed before the forward wheels of a locomotive to sweep small obstructions from the track. (noun)
• A man employed on a bathing-beach to guard against accidents to bathers. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "  If, like other girls, I would simply stand up straight while crossing the long, glaring - white concrete expanses outside of the water at Sharpton Pool, instead of walking quickly and sometimes hunching my shoulders, I would find myself an attractive life-guard beau."
• " Surely, I thought, it wouldn't be like this always — would high school, and becoming a life-guard, matter later?"
• "  "Well, just learn!" my mom urged me, and I felt confused that so much weight was on this thing, this becoming a life-guard and achieving some kind of golden status, the chosen and photogenic few who sat on high."