A lifeguard's primary legal responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond effectively to emergencies within their designated area of supervision.

A lifeguard should take immediate action by intervening to prevent the accident and alerting other responders if needed.

The ethical duty of a lifeguard during a rescue is to prioritize the safety of the person in distress while minimizing risks to both the victim and themselves.

Negligence occurs when a lifeguard fails to act appropriately in a situation, such as not responding to an emergency or not following established safety protocols.

Confidentiality is essential in maintaining trust with swimmers and their families, particularly when handling sensitive information about accidents or injuries.

The lifeguard should address the swimmer's behavior in a calm and professional manner, and enforce safety rules to ensure the safety of all.

A lifeguard supervisor oversees the ethical and legal responsibilities of the lifeguards, ensuring adherence to protocols, and managing any incidents that may arise.

Lifeguards can protect themselves by following established protocols, maintaining proper documentation, and always acting within their scope of training and authority.

The lifeguard must balance the urgency of the situation with their own safety, possibly putting themselves at risk to assist the swimmer, but ensuring they can do so without compromising their ability to handle the rescue.