What should lifeguards continually assess while on duty?

Lifeguards must continually assess all individuals in and around the water for signs of distress or unsafe behavior because their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of swimmers and patrons. This ongoing vigilance allows lifeguards to detect potential emergencies early, such as a swimmer struggling, panicking, or engaging in hazardous activities. By focusing on the well-being of individuals, lifeguards can respond swiftly to any situation, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and drowning.

While assessing the performance of colleagues, the cleanliness of the area, and the availability of safety equipment are certainly important tasks, they do not take precedence over monitoring the safety of people in the water. The lifeguard's role centers on immediate observations of patrons, making their awareness of the water environment and swimmer behavior crucial to their effectiveness in preventing and responding to emergencies.