When should a lifeguard consider using rescue techniques?

A lifeguard should consider using rescue techniques when a swimmer is in distress because this situation poses an immediate risk to the swimmer's safety. Recognizing signs of distress is crucial, as it allows the lifeguard to provide timely intervention, which could potentially prevent drowning or serious injury.

Effective rescue techniques can include reaching, throwing, or entering the water to assist the individual in need, depending on the circumstances. Lifeguards are trained to act promptly and appropriately when they see someone struggling, prioritizing the safety of those in the water.

In contrast, the other situations do not warrant a response with rescue techniques. Conditions such as the water's depth or the lifeguard's boredom are irrelevant to the safety of swimmers. Additionally, addressing a situation only when other lifeguards are busy can lead to dangerous delays in response times, which is not acceptable when a person's life may be in jeopardy. Prioritizing swimmer safety and responding proactively are key tenets of effective lifeguarding.