What should lifeguards do after an emergency incident is resolved?

After an emergency incident is resolved, it is crucial for lifeguards to complete an incident report detailing what occurred and the actions taken. This documentation serves several important purposes. Firstly, it provides a factual account of the incident, which can be essential for liability and legal reasons. The incident report helps ensure that all details, including the time, location, and the response of the lifeguards, are accurately captured while the memory of the event is still fresh.

Additionally, these reports facilitate the evaluation of the team’s response to the incident. They can be used during training sessions to improve future performance and identify any areas that may need improvement. This ongoing training can enhance the overall safety protocols at the facility, ultimately benefiting both lifeguards and patrons.

While medical assistance may be necessary in some situations, that action typically takes place during the emergency response rather than afterwards. Reporting to a supervisor without documentation can lead to incomplete communication of the incident, and performing a rescue drill as a follow-up, though beneficial for skills training, does not replace the necessity of formal reporting in the aftermath of an emergency. Thus, completing an incident report is the most critical step in ensuring accountability, learning, and improvement in future emergency responses.