What are the differences between ''salvavidas'' & ''socorrista ''?

Question

Hi everybody,

I was wondering about the two words ''salvavidas'' & ''socorrista'' when I looked in the dictionary they both mean ''lifeguard'':

1. salvavidas
2. socorrista I thought this one is mostly used to refer to a lifeguard on the beach, is that right?

I wonder which one is used en españa?

.

Any information is appreciated,

Gracias

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Great question, Lovely! - sanlee, Feb 16, 2011

Thanks Sanlee ;) - 00b6f46c, Feb 16, 2011

Answer 1

Salvavidas - Life Guard

Socorrista - Rescuer

Thanks Gekkosan :) btw I miss the old avatar! - 00b6f46c, Feb 16, 2011

Gekko just got cuter...didn't know that was possible! - --Mariana--, Feb 16, 2011

@Lovely : Thank you! But you know, a guy sometimes needs to refresh his looks as much as a girl does! ;-) - Gekkosan, Feb 16, 2011

Answer 2

I have heard socorrista more in a context of a rescue team. Los socorristas llegaron a tiempo con la ambulancia y demás equipos de socorro/auxilio/rescate.

Salvavidas usually translates as lifeguard.

Gracias usarenzo! - 00b6f46c, Feb 16, 2011

Answer 3

I have heard them both, but also "guardavidas," for lifeguard.

Thanks Mariana :) - 00b6f46c, Feb 16, 2011

Oh, go ahead Marianne, complicate things a bit more, throwing new, weird words to add to the confusion! ;-) (just kidding!) - Gekkosan, Feb 16, 2011