Which action should a lifeguard take immediately upon noticing a drowning person?

The appropriate action a lifeguard should take immediately upon noticing a drowning person is to sound the alarm. This ensures that all lifeguards and nearby personnel are alerted to the emergency situation. By notifying others, additional help can be gathered quickly, which is crucial in drowning scenarios where time is of the essence.

Sounding the alarm initiates a response protocol that typically includes activating emergency services, allowing for a more coordinated and effective rescue effort. It also ensures that lifeguards can focus on their primary role of ensuring safety in the area while enabling rescue and first aid resources to be deployed efficiently.

Listening for the alarm to be sounded is vital as it can prepare others—like fellow lifeguards and medical staff—who may provide support or prepare for rescue measures, such as retrieving equipment or guiding emergency responders.

While assessing the situation is necessary to understand the specifics of the emergency, the immediate priority must be to alert others to control the situation better. Jumping in to attempt a rescue without sounding the alarm puts the lifeguard at risk and may lead to a disorganized response. Calling for assistance is also important but is best done as part of the alarm sounding process.