In case of an emergency evacuation, what is the lifeguard’s primary role?

The lifeguard's primary role during an emergency evacuation is to direct swimmers to safety. This involves quickly and efficiently guiding individuals away from potential hazards, such as rough surf, dangerous currents, or safety risks that may have arisen during the emergency. The lifeguard is trained to assess the situation and ensure that everyone understands where they need to go to ensure their well-being.

While securing the area and collecting belongings may seem important, the immediate concern in an emergency is the safety of individuals present. Remaining at the station could put both the lifeguard and the swimmers at risk, as they would not be fulfilling their duty to protect those in their care. Although calling for law enforcement can be an important part of managing an emergency, it is secondary to actively ensuring that swimmers are moved to a safe location. The lifeguard’s training emphasizes rapid, decisive action to promote safety and minimize panic among swimmers during an urgent situation.