What should lifeguards do when witnessing an altercation between swimmers?

When lifeguards witness an altercation between swimmers, intervening safely and assessing the situation is crucial. Lifeguards are trained to prioritize the safety of all patrons in the pool area. By intervening, they can de-escalate potential conflicts before they become dangerous, either to the swimmers involved or to others around them.

Assessing the situation allows lifeguards to understand the context and severity of the conflict. They can evaluate whether the altercation requires immediate action, such as physical separation of the individuals or simply guiding them to calm down and remove themselves from the situation. This proactive approach not only helps in managing the current altercation but also contributes to a safer environment by preventing further incidents.

In contrast, merely watching until the situation escalates can lead to increased risk of injury for the swimmers or bystanders. Joining in to separate swimmers could pose additional risks and might exacerbate the conflict. Telling bystanders to ignore the situation may also leave people feeling unsafe and unsupported, as bystanders could also be affected or have a role in managing the conflict.