What should a lifeguard do if they suspect a swimmer has a heart attack?

When a lifeguard suspects that a swimmer might be experiencing a heart attack, the most appropriate course of action is to call for emergency services and monitor the victim. This choice prioritizes ensuring that professional medical help is on the way, which is crucial in the event of a heart attack. Lifeguards are trained to recognize that prompt action can significantly improve the outcome for the victim, as timely access to emergency care is vital.

Monitoring the victim allows the lifeguard to assess changes in the swimmer's condition while waiting for help to arrive. This continuous observation can also provide valuable information to emergency responders about the victim's status.

In this context, other actions like performing CPR immediately or providing water may not be appropriate at this stage, especially since CPR is usually reserved for cases where there is no pulse or breathing, which needs to be confirmed first. Additionally, offering water might not be advisable if the person is in distress, as it could pose a choking hazard or worsen their condition. Thus, the action of calling for emergency services while monitoring effectively balances the need for immediate intervention with the realities of providing proper care in such a critical situation.