What is a safety buoy's primary role in lifeguarding?

A safety buoy's primary role in lifeguarding centers around aiding in rescues and notifying swimmers of safe zones. These buoys are crucial safety devices that can be used to assist distressed swimmers or individuals in need of help. When a lifeguard throws a safety buoy to a person in trouble, it acts as a flotation device, allowing them to hold on while being assisted.

Additionally, safety buoys are often used to delineate safe swimming areas, helping to keep swimmers within a designated area and away from hazards such as rocky outcrops, deep water, or areas where boats may be present. This dual function emphasizes the buoy's importance in both proactive crowd management and emergency response, ensuring that swimmers understand where it is safe to swim and providing them with immediate support should they encounter difficulties.

By marking safe swimming zones and being readily available in rescue situations, safety buoys are essential tools that promote swimmer safety, thereby reinforcing the lifeguard's responsibility to ensure a secure environment at aquatic facilities.