What does total coverage by a lifeguard entail?

Total coverage by a lifeguard means having a single lifeguard who is fully responsible for monitoring all patrons in a designated area without any distractions. This concept emphasizes the importance of undivided attention, as the lifeguard is focused solely on observing patrons' movements and behaviors to ensure their safety. By having just one lifeguard conducting surveillance, the expectation is that this individual can more effectively respond to emergencies or incidents because they are aware of every situation occurring within their observation area.

In larger or more complex environments, this approach might not be practical, leading to the need for multiple lifeguards or other strategies to ensure safety. However, the idea of having a single lifeguard provides clarity in responsibilities and can reduce lapses in surveillance that may occur if multiple lifeguards are monitoring different areas or are distracted by conversations or other duties.