What should a lifeguard do when they witness a victim submerged underwater?

When a lifeguard witnesses a victim submerged underwater, the immediate priority is to execute a rescue while ensuring their own safety. This approach is crucial because time is of the essence in such situations; a victim submerged underwater can quickly lose consciousness or sustain serious harm. A lifeguard is trained to assess the situation rapidly, determine their own ability to safety execute the rescue without becoming a victim themselves, and take decisive action by entering the water.

By focusing on executing a rescue, the lifeguard demonstrates the core principles of life-saving that emphasize prompt and effective responses to emergencies. The lifeguard should also consider their training, as lifeguards are equipped with skills and equipment that are specifically designed for these scenarios. Actively engaging in a rescue effort, when feasible, reflects a lifeguard's responsibility to protect lives.

Other options may compromise the lifeguard’s effectiveness or delay the rescue. Waiting for someone else to help can significantly increase the risk to the submerged victim, and shouting for help while making a rescue plan, although it acknowledges the need for assistance, could unnecessarily delay immediate action that is required. Calling emergency services before acting might also prolong the response time, as immediate physical intervention is typically the most critical factor in survival in such situations