What should lifeguards do during a rescue with multiple victims?

Prioritizing victims based on the severity of their conditions is crucial during a rescue with multiple victims. This approach ensures that the lifeguard addresses the needs of those who require immediate medical attention first. In emergency situations, time is of the essence, and those who are at higher risk of serious harm—such as individuals who are unconscious, struggling to breathe, or showing signs of drowning—should be rescued before others who may be less affected.

Furthermore, a systematic approach to prioritization can help organize the rescue effort, making it more efficient and potentially saving more lives. By assessing and categorizing victims quickly, a lifeguard can allocate resources and attention where they are most needed, thereby maximizing the chances of positive outcomes for all involved.

The other approaches in the options would not be as effective in managing a rescue situation. For example, rescuing the closest victim first does not take into account the condition of each victim, which could lead to negligence of those in more critical states. Attempting to save all victims at once can create chaos and may endanger both the lifeguard and the victims, while ignoring less serious cases does not account for the potential need for assistance across the spectrum of injuries. Thus, prioritizing by severity is clearly the