When a lifeguard identifies an active drowning victim and there is only one lifeguard on duty, what is the first action?

When a lifeguard identifies an active drowning victim and there is only one lifeguard on duty, what is the first action?

• A. Begin CPR immediately on the victim in the water.
• B. Secure the area and shout for additional help and alert EMS.
• C. Jump into the water to approach the victim without checking surroundings.
• D. Ignore the victim until someone else arrives.

Answer: (B)

The first move is to secure the area and call for help and EMS. When you’re the only lifeguard on duty, getting backup and emergency medical support moving immediately is crucial. Securing the scene protects bystanders from entering the water and creating more hazards, and it ensures you have additional hands, equipment, and authorities on the way to support the rescue. While you shout for help, you can keep the victim in sight and prepare to enter or deploy the appropriate rescue tools as soon as help arrives. Jumping in without backup or attempting CPR in the water without first ensuring help and safety increases risk to you and the victim. So the priority is to alert others and summon EMS, then proceed with the rescue and medical care as the situation allows.

The first move is to secure the area and call for help and EMS. When you’re the only lifeguard on duty, getting backup and emergency medical support moving immediately is crucial. Securing the scene protects bystanders from entering the water and creating more hazards, and it ensures you have additional hands, equipment, and authorities on the way to support the rescue. While you shout for help, you can keep the victim in sight and prepare to enter or deploy the appropriate rescue tools as soon as help arrives. Jumping in without backup or attempting CPR in the water without first ensuring help and safety increases risk to you and the victim. So the priority is to alert others and summon EMS, then proceed with the rescue and medical care as the situation allows.