What should a lifeguard primarily focus on while on duty?

A lifeguard's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of all swimmers in the area by continuously monitoring their activities and identifying potential hazards. This involves focusing attention on the water and the people in it, looking for signs of distress, inappropriate behavior, or environmental dangers such as strong currents or marine life. Staying alert and vigilant permits lifeguards to respond quickly to emergencies, thereby preventing accidents and potentially saving lives.

The other options detract from the lifeguard's essential duty of active surveillance and emergency readiness. Socializing with colleagues can lead to distractions and reduce the lifeguard's awareness of their surroundings, while using personal devices or reading can significantly impair their ability to monitor the safety of swimmers effectively. Prioritizing vigilance ensures that lifeguards can fulfill their role as protectors and responders in dynamic aquatic environments.