What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?

The primary responsibility of a lifeguard is to ensure the safety of all patrons in and around the pool area. This encompasses monitoring swimmers, identifying potential hazards, and responding promptly to any emergencies or accidents that may occur. Lifeguards are trained to prevent drowning and to provide immediate care when necessary, making their role essential for maintaining a safe environment at aquatic facilities.

While teaching swimming lessons, maintaining cleanliness, and supervising poolside activities are important tasks, they are secondary to the overarching duty of ensuring safety. A lifeguard's main focus is on surveillance and intervention to protect individuals using the pool, which aligns directly with their training and role in the facility. This makes safety the cornerstone of a lifeguard's responsibilities.