Which item is included in the essential gear for rescues provided by lifeguards?

The rescue tube is considered essential gear for lifeguards because it is specifically designed for aiding in water rescues. This buoyant device allows lifeguards to float while providing support to a distressed swimmer. When a lifeguard uses a rescue tube, they can reach a victim more effectively without endangering themselves, as they can hold onto the tube while assisting the person in need. This gear not only provides flotation assistance to the victim but also keeps the rescuer safe while executing the rescue.

While foam noodles, surfboards, and bodyboards can be useful in certain situations, they do not serve the same purpose as the rescue tube in a lifeguard's toolkit. Foam noodles may not offer adequate support in rescue scenarios, surfboards are generally more suited for surfing rather than rescuing, and bodyboards, while beneficial for fun and casual use, lack the specific design and functionality of a rescue tube. This makes the rescue tube a vital and standardized piece of equipment for effective rescue operations in a lifeguard's duties.