What does "Duty to Act" refer to in lifeguarding?

The phrase "Duty to Act" specifically refers to the legal obligation lifeguards have to intervene in emergency situations to provide aid or a rescue when they are on duty. This concept emphasizes that once lifeguards assume their roles, they must take action if they observe someone in danger. The duty is rooted in both ethical and legal standards, ensuring that lifeguards are expected to respond appropriately to emergencies, offering aid or assistance as needed.

While conducting swim tests, enforcing pool rules, and maintaining constant surveillance are all important responsibilities of a lifeguard, they do not encapsulate the immediate legal obligation to act in emergencies. These functions contribute to overall safety but are distinct from the critical responsibility involved in rescuing individuals in peril. The "Duty to Act" is fundamentally about the response lifeguards must provide when faced with an immediate threat to someone’s safety.