When should a lifeguard opt for a water rescue instead of a land rescue?

A lifeguard should opt for a water rescue when the swimmer is in immediate danger in the water because this situation poses an urgent risk to the swimmer's safety and potentially their life. A water rescue is appropriate when the individual is unable to reach safety on their own, which might be due to exhaustion, distress, or other dangerous conditions like a current or waves.

Choosing a water rescue in this scenario ensures that the lifeguard can provide immediate assistance and get the swimmer to safety as quickly as possible. The lifeguard is trained to handle such emergencies effectively, employing techniques that minimize risk for both the swimmer and the rescuer.

Opting for a water rescue when the swimmer is not in immediate danger, such as when they have reached the pool's edge or are just participating in a water sport, would not be appropriate and could lead to unnecessary complications. Similarly, if a swimmer reports a minor injury but is otherwise safe, a land rescue would be more suitable, as the swimmer does not require immediate assistance in the water.