Knowing when the Heimlich maneuver is used in choking emergencies for lifeguards.

Think fast. The lifeguard chair isn’t just about scanning lanes and blowing whistles; it’s also about being ready to intervene when someone’s airway gets blocked. Here’s a quick, real-world lens on a classic lifesaving moment you’ll see in the poolside world: the Heimlich maneuver. If you’re studying topics that show up in lifeguard training materials, you’ll recognize this scene—fast, decisive, and focused on one goal: clearing the airway so the person can breathe again.

Quick check: what’s the right scenario for the Heimlich?

If you’re faced with a multiple-choice question like “In what situation is the Heimlich maneuver used?” with options such as:

• A. When a swimmer is too tired

• B. When a victim is choking

• C. When a victim has a cramp

• D. When a swimmer is unconscious

The correct answer is B—when a victim is choking. Think about it: choking means something is blocking the airway, so breathing is compromised. The Heimlich maneuver is designed to create a forceful cough that can eject the blockage so oxygen can reach the lungs again. It’s a targeted, airway-focused rescue, not a catch-all fix for every poolside hiccup.

Let me explain why this distinction matters. We’re not talking about fatigue, cramps, or an unconscious state here. Those are emergencies too, but they demand different responses. Choking is literally a race against time because a blocked airway can turn dangerous in minutes. Knowing when to apply the Heimlich—versus other lifesaving moves—helps keep the scene calm, orderly, and effective.

Recognizing choking on the pool deck

Before you can act, you have to recognize the problem. What does choking look like in the wild world of a busy pool?

• The person can't speak or makes only faint sounds. If they’re clutching their throat, that’s a classic signal.

• They’re coughing weakly or unable to cough at all. A strong, productive cough is the body’s way of trying to clear the obstruction; if that fizzles, the danger rises.

• They might turn pale or blue around the lips, and they could break into sweat as breathing becomes labored.

• The chest or abdomen may heave as the person gasps for air, and there’s a palpable sense of urgency in their movements.

If the person can cough forcefully and speak or breathe, you don’t jump straight to the Heimlich. Encourage them to continue coughing to dislodge the object, and keep a close eye on them. If the airway remains blocked or breathing deteriorates, move to the next steps—safely, calmly, and quickly.

What not to do (and what to do instead)

There are a few myths and missteps that show up at the worst possible times. For instance, you don’t want to reach blindly for the object in the person’s mouth unless you can clearly see it and you can remove it without pushing it deeper. And if the person is able to cough, you let them cough. But when talking becomes impossible, when choking becomes evident, that’s the moment to act.

If the person can’t cough, speak, or breathe, you act. Call for help, activate your emergency systems, and prepare to perform the Heimlich maneuver as trained. If the victim becomes unconscious, you transition to a different set of steps—CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths, followed by checking the mouth for the object when appropriate.

What exactly is the Heimlich maneuver?

Here’s the essence: the Heimlich maneuver is a rescue technique aimed at clearing a blocked airway caused by a foreign object. The core idea is to apply pressure to the abdomen to create a quick, forceful rise in intrathoracic pressure. That pressure helps expel the object from the airway, allowing air to flow again.

For adults and children over one year old, the standard approach is abdominal thrusts. In pregnancy or obesity, you adapt with chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. For infants under one year, the technique is completely different (back blows and chest thrusts) and requires a different set of moves. In all cases, the goal is the same: restore airflow as efficiently as possible.

In the pool, a lifeguard’s job is to keep the scene safe while delivering these measures. If the choking person is standing or sitting on deck, you can perform the maneuver on land. If they’re in the water, you guide them toward shore, ensuring they maintain an open airway as long as you can while you prepare to intervene.

A quick note on timing and sequence

In emergencies, timing is everything. The moment you realize someone is choking, you move with intention. Call for help without delay. If there are lifeguards nearby, signal for assistance and get a resuscitation equipment check while you prepare to act. If you’re alone, you still do what you’ve been trained to do, then seek help as soon as you safely can.

And if the person becomes unresponsive at any point, you switch to CPR and follow your local protocols. The airway, breathing, and circulation triad becomes the guiding thread through the whole response.

Why this matters for lifeguards (and for everyone else)

You might wonder, “Isn’t choking rare?” It’s not rare enough to ignore. Pools are social spaces with lots of activity, snacks, and sometimes distraction. A small object—like a piece of food or a swallowed pearl of a snack—can rapidly become a life-or-death obstacle. A lifeguard who can recognize the signs and apply the right rescue technique in seconds makes the difference between a scare and a tragedy.

This isn’t about memorizing a script. It’s about building muscle memory for a few critical moves, so when the moment comes, you’ve got a calm, confident rhythm. Think of it like a well-rehearsed drill you never want to perform, but you’re glad you know it when you need it. The best responders are the ones who stay composed, communicate clearly, and move with clean, purposeful action.

Drills that keep you sharp

Drills aren’t just busywork. They’re rehearsal for a high-stakes moment. In a well-run aquatic environment, lifeguards practice recognizing choking signs, initiating the right sequence, and coordinating with teammates to ensure quick, effective help. They simulate realistic conditions—crisp air, water spray, a crowd’s noise—to build resilience. The goal isn’t to memorize a perfect script; it’s to develop confidence in your own judgment and to harmonize your team’s actions under pressure.

Different situations, different tactics

While the core principle stays the same—clear the airway fast—the exact approach shifts with the person you’re helping:

• Adults and children over 1 year: abdominal thrusts are the go-to when coughing isn’t effective.

• Pregnant or severely obese individuals: chest thrusts replace abdominal thrusts to avoid hurting the abdomen.

• Infants under 1 year: back blows and chest thrusts are the correct method; never use the adult Heimlich on an infant.

• If the person is unconscious: you switch to CPR with careful airway management and look for the object as you redistribute air.

A few practical takeaways for the deck

• Recognize the signs early. If someone is unable to speak or breathe and is clutching their throat, time is not on your side.

• Don’t delay if the situation worsens. If coughing fails to clear the airway, apply the appropriate rescue technique.

• Call for help and summon equipment as soon as you can, so someone else can assist while you act.

• If you’re unsure or if the situation changes, follow your local protocols and seek supervision from a senior lifeguard or medical professional.

Relating to other poolside emergencies

Choking isn’t the only risk in the water, of course. Fatigue, cramps, or an unconscious state require different responses. Fatigue might mean you widen the mental lens—watch for signs someone is near exhaustion and ensure they’re in a safe zone with shade and hydration. Cramps demand calm stretching and hydration rather than a rescue maneuver. An unconscious swimmer—your immediate move is to get them out of the water and begin emergency care. Each scenario has its own rhythm, and the Heimlich, when appropriate, becomes one crucial instrument in a broader toolkit.

A human touch to technical moves

Here’s the thing: even the crispest technique can feel hollow without the human touch. When you step in to help someone who’s choking, you’re balancing two things at once—precision and empathy. You want to act decisively, but you also want to reassure the person with clear, calm communication. A steady voice can make the difference between panic and cooperation. And you know what? People respond to that. It’s not just about the mechanics; it’s about showing up for someone when they need it most.

In closing

Choking emergencies are stark reminders that training isn’t just about memorization. It’s about readiness—the ability to switch gears, assess quickly, and act decisively. The Heimlich maneuver is the specific tool for a very particular emergency: an airway obstruction. When a victim is choking, it’s the move that can restore life-saving airflow and buy time for professional care.

If you’re standing on a pool deck, scanning the water, and a sudden murmur cuts through the chatter—the kind of moment that makes your spine tighten just a notch—you’ll know what to do. You’ll assess, you’ll call for help, you’ll apply the right rescue technique, and you’ll stay with the person until help arrives. It’s a tall order, but it’s the job. And it’s a responsibility you don’t take lightly.

So next time you hear the question—In what situation is the Heimlich maneuver used?—you’ll answer with clarity: it’s used when a victim is choking. You’ll know why it matters, what signs to watch for, and how to act in a way that keeps everyone safe. The pool is your classroom, the people around you are your students in real life, and your training is the bridge between danger and relief. That’s the rhythm of lifeguarding—steady, purposeful, and always ready to step in when someone needs a clear breath of air.