During a rescue, what is the lifeguard's priority once the victim is reached?

The priority for a lifeguard once the victim is reached during a rescue is to ensure the victim's breathing and consciousness. This is critical because assessing the victim's airway and whether they are responsive determines the immediate steps that need to be taken to provide effective care.

If the victim is unconscious or not breathing, the lifeguard will need to initiate rescue breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. These actions are vital for maintaining oxygen flow to the brain and other organs, which can be the difference between life and death.

Ensuring that the victim is breathing also allows the lifeguard to address other concerns subsequently, such as injuries or method of transport back to safety. The focus on respiratory status reflects the fundamental principles of lifeguarding and emergency response protocols, which prioritize life-sustaining actions first.

Other choices, while they could be relevant in certain contexts, do not address the immediate critical needs of the victim in a rescue situation, emphasizing why the assessment of breathing and consciousness is prioritized.