What does the 10/20 Protection Standard indicate?

The 10/20 Protection Standard is a vital guideline in lifeguarding that emphasizes the importance of vigilance and response time. The standard indicates that a lifeguard should scan their assigned area every 10 seconds and be able to reach any guest in distress within 20 seconds. This approach ensures that any potential incidents are detected quickly, and help can be rendered promptly, reducing the risk of drowning or serious injury.

The focus on scanning frequently allows lifeguards to maintain awareness of their surroundings while the emphasis on a swift response time sets a critical benchmark for their ability to assist individuals in distress effectively. Hence, this standard is a key practice for maintaining safety in aquatic environments.