What are the primary responsibilities of a lifeguard?

Supervising swimmers is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard because their main role is to ensure the safety of individuals in the aquatic environment. This involves actively monitoring the behavior of swimmers, identifying potential hazards, and intervening when necessary to prevent accidents or injuries. Lifeguards are trained to recognize signs of distress in swimmers and act immediately to provide assistance, which might include rescue techniques or calling for additional help.

While teaching swimming lessons, managing pool cleanliness, and providing first aid are important aspects of lifeguarding, they are secondary to the primary role of supervision. Teaching swimming lessons may be part of a lifeguard's duties in certain circumstances but is not the primary focus of their responsibilities. Likewise, managing cleanliness is essential for maintaining a safe environment, but it does not directly relate to immediate supervision and intervention, which are critical in preventing drowning and ensuring swimmer safety. Providing first aid is also crucial, but it comes into play after an incident has occurred rather than as a preventative measure, which is at the heart of a lifeguard's duty.