How should a lifeguard handle a child who has just swallowed water?

Providing reassurance and encouraging the child to cough is the appropriate response when a child has swallowed water. This encourages the child to clear any small amount of water from their throat or airway, which is often sufficient in most cases where water has been swallowed. Coughing is a natural reflex that helps expel water and can resolve minor issues without the need for further intervention.

Immediate application of the Heimlich maneuver is not necessary unless the child is showing clear signs of choking or inability to breathe due to a foreign object or severe obstruction. Advising the child to stop swimming and sit down may lead to unnecessary anxiety or confusion, especially if the child is not in distress. Ignoring the situation isn’t advisable either, as it's crucial to monitor the child for any signs of distress after swallowing water, but reassuring them and encouraging a cough is typically effective in mitigating the situation calmly.