What should a lifeguard do after a first aid incident?

After a first aid incident, it is crucial for a lifeguard to report the incident and complete documentation. Proper documentation serves multiple important purposes in a lifeguarding setting. It provides an official record of the incident, which can be essential for follow-up care, legal considerations, or training purposes. This documentation should include detailed information regarding what happened, the actions taken, and any injuries sustained. This process helps ensure accountability, promotes safety, and can be vital if questions or disputes arise later.

Moreover, this practice allows the facility to track incidents, identify potential patterns, and implement preventive measures to enhance safety for all patrons. If only a verbal report is made or nothing is done, there may be a lack of accountability and potentially critical follow-up actions may be missed. Each incident must be officially recorded to foster a culture of safety and preparedness within the lifeguarding team and the facility as a whole.