What essential skill should a lifeguard possess?

A lifeguard's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of swimmers, which involves being prepared to respond to emergencies. The ability to perform CPR and first aid is crucial because it enables a lifeguard to take immediate and effective action in case of drowning or other life-threatening incidents. This skill ensures that they can provide the necessary care to stabilize a victim until professional medical help arrives.

While skills such as swimming competitively, knowledge of pool chemicals, and teaching swimming techniques are valuable in certain contexts, they do not directly address the immediate life-saving measures that a lifeguard may need to implement during a crisis. The primary focus of lifeguarding is on rescue and emergency response, making CPR and first aid the most essential skills in this setting.