How often should lifeguards rotate positions to maintain vigilance?

Lifeguards should rotate their positions every 20-30 minutes to ensure they maintain optimal vigilance and focus while monitoring swimmers. This practice is important because it helps reduce fatigue, both mental and physical, which can impair a lifeguard's ability to respond effectively to emergencies. Frequent rotations allow lifeguards to stay alert and attentive to the ongoing activities in the water, enhancing the overall safety of the facility. The shorter rotation time enables them to remain engaged without becoming overly fatigued, which is critical in a high-responsibility role like lifeguarding.

Rotating every 10-15 minutes can be too frequent and may disrupt the flow of monitoring if lifeguards are changing positions too often. Waiting an hour between rotations could lead to decreased vigilance as fatigue sets in, while relying on personal feelings of tiredness to determine when to rotate is not a practical approach, as fatigue may not always be immediately apparent in high-pressure environments. Adhering to the recommended 20-30 minute interval balances the need for vigilance with the reality of maintaining it over long periods.