What should a lifeguard do when witnessing a serious medical emergency?

When a lifeguard witnesses a serious medical emergency, the appropriate response is to call 911 and provide assistance until help arrives. This action is critical because timely intervention can be the difference between life and death. Calling emergency services immediately ensures that trained medical professionals are dispatched to the scene as soon as possible.

In addition to making the call, offering assistance can help stabilize the victim while waiting for advanced care. This response aligns with the principles of lifeguarding, where the lifeguard’s primary responsibility is the safety and well-being of individuals in the aquatic environment.

Managing the situation effectively involves both alerting emergency services and utilizing any skills or training the lifeguard has, such as first aid or CPR, as required. This combination of actions maximizes the chances of a positive outcome for the individual in distress.