What should you do if a swimmer is in distress but is not drowning?

When a swimmer is in distress but not drowning, providing verbal assistance and encouragement is crucial. This approach helps to calm the swimmer and gives them a sense of support. Encouragement can assist the swimmer in regaining control and confidence, potentially allowing them to swim back to safety or fix their situation without further assistance.

Verbal assistance can include giving clear instructions on how to adjust their position, breathe properly, or navigate back to a safe area. This method prioritizes the swimmer's well-being while minimizing the risk of panic or further distress, which could escalate the situation. Such interventions are part of the lifeguard’s role to ensure safety while also promoting the swimmer’s self-efficacy.

Other options, such as jumping in to pull the swimmer out, could put both the lifeguard and swimmer in danger, especially if the swimmer is flailing or panicking. Ignoring the swimmer is never appropriate, as any sign of distress needs to be addressed. Reporting to another lifeguard might be necessary in more severe situations, but immediate verbal assistance is the first and most direct action to take for someone who is not in immediate danger of drowning.