What is the recommended action if a lifeguard suspects a child is lost?

Taking immediate action when a lifeguard suspects a child is lost is crucial for ensuring the child's safety and well-being. Initiating a search process and notifying other staff members allows for a coordinated effort in locating the child quickly. This approach utilizes the resources available at the facility, ensuring that multiple lifeguards and staff members are on alert and actively participating in the search.

Effective communication among staff is essential in such situations. By informing others, lifeguards can cover more ground and expand the search area. This swift response can be critical, as time is of the essence when a child is unaccounted for, as they may be in potential danger.

Taking actions such as ignoring the situation or leaving to find the child could result in delays that increase the risk to the child. Also, asking nearby patrons for information, while helpful, does not replace the need for an organized search among trained staff. Coordination and immediate action are key components in effectively handling a lost child scenario.