Which of the following is a key responsibility of a lifeguard during a rescue?

A key responsibility of a lifeguard during a rescue is to ensure the safety of all swimmers before acting. This is crucial because a lifeguard must assess the situation and confirm that it is safe to execute a rescue without putting themselves or other swimmers in additional danger. Prioritizing safety helps prevent further emergencies and allows for a more effective rescue operation.

If, for instance, a lifeguard jumps into the water without first determining whether there are other individuals in distress or if the environment poses risks (such as strong currents or submerged hazards), they could inadvertently worsen the situation. Therefore, performing a thorough assessment and ensuring that the rescue can be conducted safely is fundamental to a lifeguard's responsibilities.

In contrast, while performing medical evaluations or maintaining a log of swimming activity can be part of a lifeguard's duties, they are not immediate responsibilities that come into play during the act of rescuing someone. Additionally, remaining in a designated station is important for surveillance and readiness but does not directly relate to the action of executing a rescue.