What steps should a lifeguard take after pulling a person from the water?

After pulling a person from the water, the lifeguard's primary responsibility is to assess the victim's condition and provide appropriate care. This is crucial because the person may be experiencing life-threatening conditions, such as drowning or the onset of respiratory distress, which requires immediate attention.

Conducting an assessment involves checking for responsiveness, breathing, and any visible injuries. The lifeguard needs to determine if the person requires CPR or other first aid interventions right away. Providing care based on this assessment is essential to stabilize the victim's condition and increase their chances of recovery.

Other steps, while important, are secondary to the initial assessment and care. For instance, asking the person questions can only occur once they are conscious and able to respond, and moving them to a dry area should only be done if it does not compromise their safety or well-being. Similarly, leaving the victim to alert emergency services would be inappropriate, as the lifeguard's immediate duty is to manage the situation directly and ensure the safety of the person who was rescued.