What behavior should lifeguards avoid while on duty?

Lifeguards must remain vigilant and attentive while on duty to ensure the safety of all patrons in their designated area. Excessive reading or using mobile devices can distract a lifeguard from their primary responsibilities, which include monitoring swimmers for signs of distress, enforcing pool rules, and being prepared to respond quickly in emergencies. A lapse in attention due to distractions can lead to critical delays in responding to incidents, putting lives at risk.

Engaging with patrons or participating in staff meetings, while they can occur during designated breaks or in non-active periods, should not interfere with a lifeguard's main duty of surveillance. Although observing a pool area is important, that task must be balanced with maintaining focus and full attention, making it imperative that lifeguards avoid any behavior—such as excessive reading or device usage—that detracts from their ability to monitor the environment effectively.