In addition to the metal badges, the National Park Service has authorized several cloth badges over the years. Some people think of these as patches, but because they were designed to denote the authority of the wearer they are properly considered badges.

Two of these were issued to lifeguards. The first cloth badge (1937) was made out of olive green gabardine, with U.S. PARK LIFE GUARD and an eagle and other symbols embroidered in yellow. Under the eagle is a yellow bar with NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/DEPT OF THE INTERIOR embroidered in white. This badge was to be worn on the lower right side of the bathing suit. There are no known photographs of lifeguards wearing this badge.

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1937-1953 LIFE GUARD Description: olive green shield lettering and symbols in white and gold Size: 4-1/2" wide x 5-1/2" high

In 1953, in keeping with the Service's attempt to associate all its activities and locations with its new emblem, the 1937 badge was replaced with one incorporating a variation of the arrowhead. The new badge consisted of a light brown arrowhead with a dark brown border. At the top was NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, and below was DEPT OF THE INTERIOR, both embroidered in black. In the center was embroidered LIFE GUARD in white letters. With slight variations in size and style. this badge was worn until the swim suits were changed from orange to red in 1983.

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1953-1983 LIFE GUARD Description: fully stitched in light brown thread with black and white letters Size: 4" wide x 5-3/4" high

After 1983, the badge was silk-screened in a golden yellow onto the wind breaker and walking shorts. Later this was expanded to include the swim suits. This practice continues today, although there is some discussion about revamping this custom in the near future.