Why is it essential for lifeguards to have knowledge of CPR?

Knowledge of CPR is crucial for lifeguards primarily because it enables them to provide immediate and effective care to victims who have stopped breathing or whose hearts have ceased to function properly. When an individual suffers cardiac arrest or experiences respiratory failure, the likelihood of survival diminishes rapidly with each passing minute. CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival and better outcomes by maintaining blood flow to the brain and vital organs until emergency medical services arrive.

Immediate intervention with CPR can prevent further damage and buy valuable time for professional medical help to take over. The skills learned in CPR training, such as chest compressions and rescue breaths, empower lifeguards to act swiftly and potentially save lives in critical situations.

In contrast to the other choices, performing swimming lessons, training other lifeguards, or reviewing incident reports, while important, do not directly address the urgent need to respond to life-threatening emergencies involving cardiac arrest or respiratory issues. These functions have their own relevance in the broader context of safety and training, but they are not the immediate life-saving actions that CPR encompasses.