Which of the following best describes the role of a lifeguard in preventing drowning?

The role of a lifeguard is fundamentally centered around monitoring for signs of distress and ensuring swimmer safety. This involves being vigilant and attentive to the activities in the water, watching for any swimmers who may struggle or display signs of needing assistance, such as flailing, submerging, or exhibiting exhaustion. By maintaining an active watch and being prepared to respond quickly to emergencies, lifeguards are crucial in preventing drowning incidents.

In addition to monitoring, lifeguards are trained to react appropriately in emergencies, which can include performing rescue techniques or administering first aid. Their primary goal is to create a safe swimming environment, thereby minimizing risks associated with water activities.

While providing swimming lessons can be beneficial in teaching water safety, it is not the core function of a lifeguard. The enforcement of pool rules is important, but it is only one aspect of a lifeguard's broader responsibility to ensure safety. Allowing independent swimming without supervision directly contradicts the lifeguard's duty to monitor and protect swimmers, making it an unsafe practice.