How should lifeguards react to a person exhibiting signs of hyperventilation?

When someone is exhibiting signs of hyperventilation, it is crucial for lifeguards to assist the individual in calming down and regulating their breathing. Hyperventilation typically involves rapid or deep breathing, often resulting in a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can lead to feelings of lightheadedness, tingling, or even fainting. By encouraging the person to calm down, the lifeguard can help lower their breathing rate and restore a normal balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

Teaching the individual to take slower, more controlled breaths, possibly through techniques such as inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth, can be very effective. This approach not only addresses the immediate symptoms of hyperventilation but also aids in alleviating any anxiety that may have contributed to the episode.

In contrast to this approach, suggesting deep underwater breaths is inappropriate as it could exacerbate the situation by encouraging more hyperventilation or making the person feel overwhelmed while they are already struggling to breathe. Panicking until the situation resolves does not provide any constructive support, and leaving the person alone neglects the necessary attention and assistance they require during a stressful episode.