What are the consequences of neglecting lifeguard duties?

Neglecting lifeguard duties can lead to serious consequences, particularly legal liability and an increased risk of incidents. When lifeguards fail to fulfill their responsibilities, such as monitoring swimmers effectively or enforcing safety rules, they leave patrons at risk of drowning or other accidents. If an incident occurs due to negligence, lifeguards and their employers can face legal action, which may result in lawsuits and financial penalties. Additionally, the overall safety environment of the facility deteriorates, increasing the likelihood of emergencies.

The other options, such as improved relationships with patrons or increased pool attendance, suggest outcomes that are unlikely to arise from neglecting duties. Instead, patrons may feel unsafe, leading to a loss of trust and potential decline in attendance. Likewise, failing to perform lifeguard duties negatively impacts staff morale, as dedicated lifeguards may become frustrated or discouraged by an unsafe environment or by seeing their colleagues' negligence.