One lifeguard is not always adequate to supervise the pool and implement emergency procedures effectively. True/False?

• A. False
• B. Sometimes
• C. True
• D. Not specified

Answer: (C)

Having ongoing supervision and being able to act quickly in an emergency both require attention and action from different people and tasks. A lifeguard must constantly scan the water to spot distress, enforce rules, and prevent incidents, while an emergency demands immediate rescue, scene control, first aid, and coordination with others. Trying to do all of that alone means one area of safety is likely to be neglected at any moment—either surveillance or emergency response. For this reason, pool safety typically relies on more than one lifeguard so coverage remains steady while a rescue or medical response is underway. If only one person is on duty, the appropriate action is to call for backup or temporarily close the pool to maintain safety. That’s why the statement is true.