Why didn’t they wear goggles?

Wouldn't have looked so cool as they were running into the surf in slo-mo.

I've never seen a lifeguard wear goggles. I think they would be more of a hindrance than a help. I mean they aren't going to wear the goggles on the beach as they would fog up, and if they had to take the time to put them on before running in it would waste time and someone could die. If the life guard rushes putting them on they could fill with water on the way out to the swimmer. Even in a swimming pool they don't wear them because you can't equalize the pressure in them and if you are diving to the bottom of the deep end to pull someone up it could damage the eyes. It's also something that a distressed swimmer could pull off of you, or down around your neck. So yeah, not really safe.

I've never seen lifeguards wear goggles. My wife is a surfer, and never wears goggles while surfing or swimming in the ocean. She wears them while doing laps in the pool, mainly to prevent the chlorine from irritating her eyes.