What should a lifeguard do if they see a swimmer in distress?

In a situation where a lifeguard sees a swimmer in distress, performing a rescue using appropriate techniques is the most crucial action. This response is vital for several reasons. First, a swimmer in distress may be struggling to stay afloat, and immediate intervention can prevent the situation from escalating to a drowning or other emergencies. Lifeguards are trained to assess the swimmer's condition and determine the appropriate rescue techniques based on the situation, such as whether to enter the water or use a rescue buoy.

By performing a rescue, the lifeguard can provide the swimmer with the necessary assistance to ensure their safety. This action is underpinned by the lifeguard's responsibility to safeguard all swimmers in their area, recognizing that even experienced swimmers can find themselves in challenging situations. Timely intervention not only demonstrates effective lifeguarding practices but also reassures other beachgoers or pool visitors that help is available and that safety is a priority.

In contrast, ignoring the situation or assuming there are no signs of drowning could lead to a tragic outcome, as the swimmer may need assistance despite a lack of overt indications of distress. Alerting other lifeguards is a good practice, but it does not substitute for immediate action to aid the swimmer. Waiting for the swimmer