What basic skills must every lifeguard possess?

Every lifeguard must possess swimming proficiency, rescue techniques, and basic first aid knowledge as fundamental skills. Swimming proficiency is essential because lifeguards need to be strong swimmers in order to perform rescues effectively and quickly. Rescue techniques equip lifeguards with the necessary skills to safely retrieve someone from the water and provide assistance. Basic first aid knowledge is crucial, as it allows lifeguards to respond appropriately to injuries or emergencies that may occur in or around the water, ensuring the safety and well-being of swimmers.

While certifications are important, they are usually components of the broader skill set rather than basic skills themselves. Understanding local wildlife and plant life would be specific to certain environments but is not a universal requirement for all lifeguards. Similarly, while being multilingual can be advantageous in some areas, it is not considered a basic skill needed for the role of a lifeguard. Thus, the combination of swimming, rescues, and first aid is the core foundation for effective lifeguarding.