How do lifeguards assess a swimmer's responsiveness?

Lifeguards assess a swimmer's responsiveness primarily by shaking the person gently and shouting to see if they respond. This method serves two crucial purposes: it tests both the swimmer’s auditory and physical responsiveness. When a lifeguard shakes the individual gently, they can gauge the person’s ability to react to external stimuli, while shouting can help draw the swimmer's attention if they are disoriented or unable to respond verbally. This swift assessment is vital in emergency situations where every second counts, allowing lifeguards to determine whether a person is conscious, able to communicate, or in need of further assistance.

The other options have limitations in terms of effective assessment. Shouting loudly and waving may catch attention but does not check for actual responsiveness. Checking for pulse and breathing is a critical part of evaluating someone who may be unresponsive but does not directly assess consciousness. Asking someone their name and location can be useful as part of a broader assessment but is less immediate for determining responsiveness in an urgent scenario. Therefore, gently shaking and shouting strikes the appropriate balance for an initial assessment of a swimmer's alertness and responsiveness.