What forms of communication may be used in emergency situations?

The correct answer highlights the importance of using multiple forms of communication in emergency situations. In environments such as beaches or pools where lifeguards operate, various forms of communication are essential to ensure clarity and efficiency during a rescue or emergency response.

Using whistles is effective for gaining attention, especially over long distances or in noisy environments, as the sound can carry farther than a voice. Hand signals can convey messages quickly and precisely, particularly when the situation requires silent communication or when loud noises – such as waves or crowds – might make verbal commands hard to hear. Verbal commands are crucial for providing immediate instructions to individuals in distress or to coordinate with team members during an emergency response.

Each of these forms of communication serves a distinct purpose and can be used in conjunction to optimize understanding and ensure safety, making option A the comprehensive and correct choice. Other options, which suggest relying solely on one form of communication, would limit the effectiveness of the response and could lead to misunderstandings or delays in critical situations.