What action should a lifeguard take if they notice a swimmer struggling?

A lifeguard must act swiftly and decisively when noticing a swimmer in distress. Entering the water to assist is the most effective and immediate way to provide help to someone who is struggling. This action allows the lifeguard to directly address the situation and ensures that the swimmer receives prompt assistance, which is critical in emergency scenarios.

Immediate intervention can be the difference between a successful rescue and a tragic outcome. In situations where a swimmer is in distress, they may not be able to effectively respond to verbal cues or directions. Therefore, taking action by entering the water ensures that the lifeguard can physically support the swimmer and help them to safety as quickly as possible.

Other options, while they might seem reasonable in certain situations, do not provide the immediate and necessary assistance that a struggling swimmer needs. For instance, making sure other patrons are observing does not directly aid the swimmer. Calling for another lifeguard could lead to a delay during a critical moment where time is of the essence. Lastly, signaling the swimmer to swim back may not be effective if the swimmer is already in distress and unable to comply. Thus, directly entering the water to assist is the most correct and immediate response in this scenario.