What is the first priority of a lifeguard during a rescue?

The first priority of a lifeguard during a rescue is to ensure the safety of the victim. This principle is at the core of lifeguarding practices, as the primary responsibility is to prevent drowning and other water-related injuries. The lifeguard must assess the situation quickly, determine the best course of action, and act decisively to reach and assist the victim without delay.

A lifeguard's effectiveness in a rescue directly hinges on their ability to focus on the victim’s safety. This includes evaluating the victim’s condition, whether they are conscious or unconscious, and making critical decisions regarding the best methods to safely bring them to shore or provide rescue breathing if necessary. Time is often of the essence in these situations, and the longer it takes to provide help, the higher the risk to the victim.

While the safety of the lifeguard is important, it is secondary to the immediate need to assist the person in distress. In some scenarios, lifeguards might need to secure themselves appropriately before entering the water, but this action is about ensuring the rescue can be performed safely, not about prioritizing their own safety over the victim’s. Thus, although notifying emergency services or clearing the water might be part of a broader response plan, these actions