The general public, untrained in the investigation and causation of water safety deaths, justifiably can wonder how such a drowning could occur. Unfortunately, the pattern of such swimming deaths is quite similar. While not generally realized drowning victims almost never yell for help with their major concern being to continue breathing. Lifeguards A properly-positioned lifeguard could easily prevent these needless deaths. The lifeguard perched atop a chair can easily identify swimmers most at risk of slipping into distress.
Accident prevention is the lifeguard's primary responsibility.
In Stage I the victim is vertical in the water, with arms extended out from the side, moving about in a manner deceptively resembling a swimming movement to the untrained observer. The victim has his head held back to keep the mouth and nose above water and does not yell for help because it would require expelling air from the lungs. The natural reflex is to keep the mouth closed to prevent taking in water and to preserve air. The victim will struggle for only 20 to 60 seconds before going below the water's surface. The properly-positioned lifeguard is uniquely able to identify swimmers at risk and to timely make the rescue.