What should lifeguards prioritize in their scanning methods?

Lifeguards should prioritize monitoring all areas of their assigned zone because effective scanning ensures that they can observe and respond to any potential emergency or distress signals from individuals in the water. By maintaining attention across the entirety of their designated area, lifeguards can identify swimmers who may be struggling, as well as monitor those who are in safe conditions. This comprehensive approach not only increases the safety of all individuals present but also enables lifeguards to quickly react to various situations, whether they arise in shallow or deep water.

Focusing only on specific groups or parts of the pool, such as just non-swimmers, the deep end, or solely on the shallow end, limits a lifeguard's effectiveness. These narrowed approaches can result in missed incidents or emergencies occurring in other areas. Therefore, scanning the entire assigned zone is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of all patrons.