What is one way lifeguards can assess a guest’s response in the water?

Lifeguards play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of guests in the water, and one effective method to assess a guest's response is by observing their movement and behavior. This observation allows lifeguards to identify signs of distress or trouble, such as struggling to stay afloat or erratic movements that may indicate panic. By closely monitoring how guests interact with the water, lifeguards can quickly determine if immediate action is needed to provide assistance or intervention.

While checking for floating debris, counting guests, and requesting signals for help are important aspects of water safety, they do not provide real-time insight into an individual guest's condition. Movement and behavior are direct indicators of a person's physical state and can reveal potential emergencies that require immediate attention. Thus, observing behavior is a vital skill for lifeguards, enabling them to act swiftly and effectively in protecting guests.