What can lifeguards do to prepare themselves for emergency situations?

Regularly practicing rescue techniques is essential for lifeguards to ensure they are prepared to respond effectively in emergency situations. This repetition helps to reinforce skills and improve muscle memory, enabling lifeguards to react quickly and efficiently when a real-life rescue is required. Familiarity with various rescue methods, such as reaching assists or entries into the water, increases a lifeguard's confidence and readiness.

While other activities like maintaining a clean area, being aware of hazards, and monitoring all swimmers, regardless of their location in the water, are important aspects of a lifeguard's responsibilities, these do not directly enhance their preparedness for emergencies in the way that practicing rescue techniques does. Lifeguards must prioritize training and skill development to ensure they can perform rescues successfully when the need arises.