How should lifeguards approach an unidentified object in the water?

Lifeguards should approach an unidentified object in the water by treating it as a potential hazard and assessing it carefully. This method ensures both the safety of the lifeguard and beachgoers. By being cautious, lifeguards can evaluate the situation without unnecessary risks. They can consider factors such as the object’s size, shape, and movement before determining if it poses any danger. This careful assessment can prevent accidents and ensure that the lifeguard uses appropriate protocols for safety.

Swimming out to retrieve the object immediately might put the lifeguard in a vulnerable position without sufficient understanding of what the object is or its potential risks. Simply ignoring the object, unless someone is in distress, could lead to unforeseen dangers for other swimmers. Waving at the object to attract attention does not address the potential hazard it may represent and also does not provide any useful information to beachgoers who might be affected by it. Focusing on a careful assessment is the most prudent approach to ensure safety in the water.