What is one of the key roles of a lifeguard while on duty?

Monitoring swimmer compliance with pool rules is a fundamental role of a lifeguard while on duty. This responsibility ensures that all patrons are following safety guidelines designed to prevent accidents and injuries in the water, thus maintaining a safe environment for everyone. By actively observing swimmers, lifeguards can identify potentially dangerous behaviors—such as diving in shallow water or overcrowding in certain areas—that might lead to incidents. This vigilance not only contributes to individual safety but also promotes a culture of awareness regarding pool rules among all visitors.

The other roles, while they may be part of a lifeguard's broader responsibilities or general pool operations, do not capture the primary focus of lifeguard training and duties. Socializing with guests can detract from safety supervision, performing maintenance on pool equipment typically falls outside a lifeguard's scope of work, and while assisting swim instructors is valuable, it is secondary to ensuring the safety of all swimmers in the facility.