What action is important for a lifeguard after a rescue has been performed?

Completing an incident report is essential after a rescue has been performed because it provides a formal record of the event, detailing the circumstances surrounding the rescue, the actions taken, and any observations about the victim’s condition. This documentation serves multiple purposes: it helps ensure accountability and transparency in lifeguard operations, provides valuable information for future incident prevention, and can be crucial for legal reasons should any issues arise later. The report can also assist in assessing the effectiveness of lifeguard training and protocols, leading to improvements in safety procedures. Additionally, having a thorough record supports communication with emergency services and aids in reviewing the incident with supervisory staff to enhance lifeguard practices.