What additional factor, besides wind or people, can obscure visibility of someone underwater?

The glare from the sun can significantly obscure visibility of someone underwater. When sunlight beams down on the water's surface, it can reflect and create bright spots that make it challenging for lifeguards or observers to see clearly beneath the surface. This effect is particularly pronounced in shallow water or on sunny days, where the intensity of the light can cause distortion and create a veil of brightness that hides submerged individuals.

While other factors, such as the depth of the pool, presence of bubbles, and even water temperature, can influence visibility to some extent, they do not affect visibility as directly or dramatically as glare from the sun does. Glare can create immediate visual confusion and can impair the lifeguard's ability to locate a person in distress, making it a critical consideration for maintaining safety and response efficiency in aquatic environments.