How often should lifeguards perform a scan of their designated area?

Lifeguards should perform a scan of their designated area every 10 seconds to ensure the safety of all patrons. This frequency allows lifeguards to maintain a vigilant watch over the water and effectively identify any potential hazards or emergencies, such as signs of distress or unsafe behavior among swimmers. Scanning too infrequently, such as every 20 or 30 seconds, could result in a delayed response to an incident, putting lives at risk. Conversely, scanning every 5 seconds might lead to fatigue or decreased observation quality over time. Thus, a 10-second interval strikes a balance between thorough surveillance and maintaining situational awareness, enabling lifeguards to respond quickly and effectively to any incidents that may arise.