Which of the following is a sign of a potential spinal injury in a victim?

No control of limbs is a significant indicator of a potential spinal injury. When someone sustains an injury to the spinal cord, it can disrupt the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This loss of communication may lead to paralysis, loss of feeling, or inability to control movement in the limbs. As a lifeguard, identifying such a sign is critical, as it necessitates immediate attention and a careful, methodical approach to rescue and care to prevent further injury.

In contrast, floating face up does not inherently indicate a spinal injury; it simply describes the victim's position in the water. The ability to speak often shows that the victim has not suffered severe trauma to the cervical spine or brain, as they can still communicate effectively. Intense laughter similarly does not correlate with spinal injuries and may indicate that the victim is not in distress or is physically capable of movement. Understanding these distinctions is vital for assessing and responding to injuries appropriately.