What are the consequences of not adhering to lifeguard training protocols?

Not adhering to lifeguard training protocols directly leads to an increased risk of accidents. These protocols are designed to ensure that lifeguards are prepared for emergencies, effectively monitoring the swimming area, and responding appropriately to incidents. When protocols are ignored, lifeguards may miss crucial signals of distress from swimmers, fail to maintain proper vigilance, or be uncertain in their response actions. This lack of adherence can create a hazardous environment where accidents become more likely, such as drownings or injuries.

While improved team communication and better customer service are important aspects of lifeguarding, they are typically a result of proper training and adherence to established protocols rather than consequences of not adhering to them. Similarly, not following training protocols actually increases the likelihood of emergencies rather than reducing it, as trained responses and prevention strategies are crucial for safety in the aquatic environment.