What should a lifeguard pay close attention to as signs of a guest in distress?

A lifeguard should focus on body position, movement, and appearance as these factors provide critical insights into a guest's safety in the water. Distress signals can manifest in several ways; for instance, a person struggling may display abnormal body positions, such as vertical positioning without forward motion or excessive splashing. Recognizing subtle changes, such as a person's appearance—like facial expressions of panic or unusual movements—can indicate trouble even before verbal distress signals are given. By paying close attention to these signs, lifeguards can identify individuals who may require assistance before a situation escalates.

In contrast, observing guests who are swimming enthusiastically or organizing games may indicate that they are engaged and enjoying their time, and monitoring sunbathers is important for heat-related issues, but these activities do not reflect immediate signs of distress. Thus, those aspects do not provide the critical information necessary for ensuring safety in the water.