Should I tip the lifeguard at a splash pad?

Splash pads rarely have lifeguards, but the few that do — usually at combined splash pad and shallow pool facilities — are nearly always city or county employees. Most municipal HR policies prohibit accepting tips, and even where it's technically allowed, tipping isn't part of the lifeguard culture in the US. If you want to recognize good work, the meaningful action is a written compliment to the parks department: include the date, the facility, and the lifeguard's name (read it off their nametag). That note goes into their personnel file and can affect raises, promotions, and seasonal rehiring. A Google review naming the staff member also helps. At a private resort splash pad with seasonal lifeguards on the standard service-industry pay model, a few dollars at the end of a great visit is appreciated but not expected.