What should lifeguards do regularly to ensure their skills remain sharp?

Engaging in regular training and drills is essential for lifeguards to ensure their skills remain sharp. This practice not only helps lifeguards maintain their physical conditioning but also reinforces critical skills such as rescue techniques, first aid procedures, and emergency response protocols. Regular drills simulate real-life scenarios which prepare them for the unpredictability of aquatic environments. This continual practice fosters muscle memory and enhances decision-making skills, ensuring that lifeguards respond effectively and confidently in emergency situations.

While performing rescues can provide valuable experience, it may not always be safe or feasible to do during every shift, which makes regular training and drills a more consistent and practical approach to maintaining skills. Seeking out other professions for skill upgrades and focusing solely on passive monitoring do not contribute directly to the lifeguard's specialized skillset, potentially leaving them unprepared for emergencies.