Which emergency action is critical if a swimmer loses consciousness?

When a swimmer loses consciousness, the most critical emergency action is to call emergency services immediately. This is vital because unconsciousness can indicate a serious medical emergency such as drowning, a heart attack, or other life-threatening conditions. Rapid response from professional medical personnel can be the difference between life and death. Calling emergency services ensures that trained medical professionals are on the way to provide the necessary care.

While it is also important to administer first aid and ensure that other lifeguards are informed, these actions must occur after emergency services have been alerted or simultaneously if feasible. It’s crucial to prioritize contacting emergency services as they can provide advanced medical assistance that lifeguards may not be equipped to deliver on-site. In an emergency, time is of the essence, and activating the appropriate emergency response is fundamental in managing the situation effectively.