What are the two main goals of vigilance awareness training?

The primary goals of vigilance awareness training are to enhance a lifeguard's alertness and responsiveness in a challenging environment. The phrase that captures this concept effectively is "If you don’t know, go." This emphasizes the importance of immediate action when a lifeguard is uncertain about a situation. It encourages them to take responsibility for their observations and to act on their instincts rather than hesitating or ignoring potential issues.

This approach cultivates a proactive mindset, highlighting the importance of prioritizing safety and addressing situations that may require intervention. In a lifeguarding context, uncertainty can lead to critical delays in response, so encouraging lifeguards to act—whether that means conducting a further assessment or retrieving assistance—can be vital in promoting overall safety at the facility. The phrase reinforces the importance of not being paralyzed by doubt but rather taking initiative when something seems amiss.