What fact should lifeguards always be aware of?

Drowning can occur rapidly and with little to no noise, making it a silent event often misunderstood by observers. This fact emphasizes the importance of maintaining vigilant surveillance of all swimmers, regardless of perceived swimming ability. Lifeguards must be trained to recognize the subtle signs of drowning, which can include a person struggling briefly before submerging silently.

Understanding that drowning is not typically a dramatic event reinforces the need for lifeguards to watch all individuals in the water closely at all times. This awareness helps ensure that lifeguards can respond immediately to any situation, potentially saving lives by recognizing when someone is in distress, even if they are not visibly splashing or calling for help.