Which method is NOT appropriate for a lifeguard to use in an emergency to gain attention?

Waving a towel is not typically considered an effective method for a lifeguard to gain attention in an emergency situation. While it may be visually noticeable, it lacks the immediacy and auditory impact that urgent situations often demand. Lifeguards need to quickly communicate an emergency to patrons and fellow staff members, and methods that produce sound, like blowing a whistle, or that clearly convey urgency, such as shouting or using hand signals, are far more effective. These approaches ensure that the lifeguard’s actions are understood quickly, allowing for a swift response to the emergency at hand.