Under what circumstances should a lifeguard initiate a rescue?

A lifeguard should initiate a rescue whenever a swimmer appears in distress or is unable to help themselves. This is a critical part of a lifeguard's responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in the water. Recognizing signs of distress, such as a swimmer struggling to stay afloat, not being able to call for help, or exhibiting panic, is essential. In these situations, immediate action can prevent drowning or other serious incidents. The lifeguard's primary duty is to intervene as necessary to save lives, especially when a swimmer is incapable of self-rescue.

While the other circumstances mentioned may indicate a need for vigilance or more attention, they do not universally warrant a rescue. A swimmer performing poorly might still be able to recover on their own, and simply having too many people in the water might not directly relate to an individual swimmer's safety unless it leads to a dangerous situation. Lastly, a swimmer requesting assistance may indicate a problem, but it's crucial to assess whether they are in immediate distress or are able to stay afloat while awaiting help. Thus, the key criterion for initiating a rescue is assessing the swimmer's ability to help themselves and the signs of distress they may be showing.