Which of the following is an essential skill for lifeguards?

Swimming proficiency and rescue techniques are fundamental skills for lifeguards because their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of individuals in and around aquatic environments. Lifeguards must be able to swim well in order to effectively respond to emergencies, reach distressed swimmers, and execute rescues swiftly and safely.

In addition, they need to be trained in various rescue techniques that allow them to assist individuals who may be in danger of drowning, fatigued, or in need of support in the water. This encompasses skills such as approaching a victim, making a safe recovery, and performing first aid or CPR if required.

While skills such as cooking, storytelling, or artistic talent may have their place in certain contexts, they are not relevant to the lifesaving tasks that lifeguards are trained to perform. The ability to respond to aquatic emergencies with proficiency can be the difference between life and death, making swimming and rescue skills crucial for anyone in this role.