Which action should not be taken when a submerged individual is located?

When a submerged individual is located, it is crucial for lifeguards to act quickly and decisively to ensure the safety of the individual. Delaying actions until backup arrives can significantly increase the risk of serious injury or drowning for the submerged person. Immediate action is necessary; lifeguards are trained to assess the situation and attempt a rescue as swiftly as possible.

In emergencies, time is of the essence. The more time that passes without intervention, the greater the chance for the submerged individual to suffer from oxygen deprivation or other complications. Therefore, effective lifeguarding emphasizes prompt rescue actions, ensuring that the immediate needs of the victim are prioritized.

While providing reassurance to other guests and performing a quick assessment are important aspects of managing the situation effectively, they should not come at the expense of delaying the rescue. Instead, these actions are meant to be supplementary to the main goal of rescuing the submerged individual.