What should lifeguards do if they suspect a spinal injury?

When a lifeguard suspects a spinal injury, the primary concern is to prevent any further injury to the individual. Stabilizing the person in the water is crucial because moving them could exacerbate any existing spinal injury. By keeping them stabilized, the lifeguard minimizes movement and helps to prevent potential damage to the spinal cord.

This approach allows for careful assessment and planning for safe extraction from the water, ideally with the assistance of emergency medical services trained in managing spinal injuries. The goal is to maintain the individual's safety and well-being until professional help can take over.

Other options might lead to unnecessary movement or stress on the individual's injury. For instance, immediately removing someone from the water could increase the risk of damage, while asking the person to get out or performing a full-body assessment could also lead to movements that should be avoided in the case of suspected spinal injuries.