How should a lifeguard respond to a spinal injury in water?

A lifeguard's response to a spinal injury in water is crucial for the safety of the victim and to prevent further injury. The correct approach involves using a backboard to stabilize the victim’s head, neck, and spine while keeping them as still as possible. This method minimizes movement, reducing the risk of exacerbating any potential spinal cord injuries.

When a spinal injury is suspected, maintaining spinal alignment is essential, and the backboard provides the necessary support to achieve that. The lifeguard should carefully secure the victim to the backboard and ensure they are not moved unnecessarily until professional medical help arrives. This careful handling is vital because spinal injuries can have serious consequences if not managed correctly.

The other methods listed can lead to increased risk of further injury. Encouraging the victim to swim to safety may cause movement that could worsen their condition. Performing a rescue dive to pull the victim to the surface can also result in more movement of the spine, which is dangerous. Finally, administering first aid on land would be premature if the victim has not been safely extracted from the water and stabilized first, reinforcing the importance of an immediate and appropriate in-water response.