Under what conditions should a lifeguard close the pool?

A lifeguard should close the pool if safety cannot be ensured due to weather conditions, poor water conditions, or maintenance issues because these factors significantly affect the safety of the patrons. For instance, severe weather, such as thunderstorms, can create hazards such as lightning strikes, high winds, or rough water conditions that pose a risk to individuals in or near the pool. Similarly, poor water conditions, such as contamination or inadequate water clarity, can impair a lifeguard's ability to effectively supervise and respond to emergencies. Maintenance issues, such as broken pool equipment or slippery surfaces, can also create unsafe conditions. The overarching responsibility of a lifeguard is to prioritize the safety of all patrons in the facility, and closing the pool in these circumstances is a crucial step in ensuring that safety is maintained.

In contrast, closing the pool solely based on water temperature alone does not account for other critical safety factors that may be present. Additionally, the number of patrons in the pool does not inherently indicate a safety issue; pools can be safely managed with fewer people present. Lastly, closing the pool based solely on a feeling of unsafety without concrete evidence goes against the principles of lifeguarding, which relies on observable and objective criteria to make safety decisions.