What is the purpose of a rescue buoy?

A rescue buoy is primarily used to provide flotation support to a victim during a water rescue. This buoy serves as a vital tool for lifeguards, allowing them to quickly reach a distressed swimmer and keep them afloat until further assistance can be rendered. The buoy enables the lifeguard to maintain control over the situation, ensuring that the person in distress does not sink or struggle excessively, which can lead to further complications.

In situations where a lifeguard needs to enter the water to perform a rescue, using a buoy allows them to bring the victim to safety more effectively, especially if the individual is panicking or unable to swim. The buoy also creates a physical barrier, making it easier to stabilize the victim as they are brought back to shore.

The other options, while they serve important functions in lifeguarding practices, do not encapsulate the primary role of a rescue buoy. For instance, signaling other lifeguards is the role of whistles or flags, storing equipment is fulfilled by lifeguard lockers or vehicles, and marking swimming areas is typically done with buoys specifically designed for that purpose.