In an emergency situation, what should a lifeguard do first?

In an emergency situation, the first action a lifeguard should take is to assess the situation and ensure their own safety. This step is crucial because without assessing the situation, the lifeguard may place themselves in danger, which can exacerbate the emergency rather than mitigate it.

By assessing the surroundings, a lifeguard can evaluate the nature of the emergency, the number of individuals involved, potential hazards, and any other relevant factors, such as weather conditions or the presence of bystanders who may also be at risk. Their own safety is paramount; if the lifeguard does not remain safe, they cannot provide effective assistance to those in need.

Only after ensuring their own safety and understanding the situation can the lifeguard effectively respond, whether that involves calling for emergency medical services, alerting other lifeguards, or entering the water to perform a rescue. Other options, like jumping into the water immediately, could lead to additional complications if the situation is not properly evaluated first.