What is the role of lifeguards during swim meets or competitions?

Lifeguards play a crucial role during swim meets or competitions by enforcing rules and ensuring the safety of all participants. Their primary responsibility is to monitor the water and the surrounding area for any hazardous situations that may arise, such as swimmers in distress or unsafe conditions. By enforcing pool rules, they help maintain an environment where all participants can compete safely.

Moreover, lifeguards are trained to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively, which is especially important in a competitive setting where multiple swimmers are simultaneously in the water. This vigilant oversight allows for a focus on both safety and the well-being of participants, enabling them to perform without fear of potential risks.

While timing races, coaching swimmers, or supervising spectators can be important aspects of a swim meet, these tasks typically fall outside the primary duties of a lifeguard, which center around safety and emergency response.