What should a lifeguard do if a victim refuses help?

When a victim refuses help, a lifeguard must first assess the situation to ensure that the individual is indeed able to make informed decisions about their condition. This involves evaluating their mental state, understanding the risks associated with their refusal, and determining whether there are any immediate dangers present.

Explaining the risks to the victim gives them crucial information about the potential consequences of not accepting assistance. This can help them make a more informed decision about their circumstances. Furthermore, documenting the refusal is essential from a legal perspective, as it provides a record of the lifeguard’s actions and the victim's choice, which can protect the lifeguard and the facility from liability.

Ignoring the refusal and leaving the victim alone is inappropriate as it disregards the duty of care a lifeguard has to ensure safety. Forcing assistance upon the victim would violate their autonomy and could escalate the situation, leading to further issues. Simply calling for backup without taking any action neglects the immediate responsibility of addressing the victim’s situation and may result in an unnecessary delay in providing help.