How is the emergency action plan (EAP) activated?

The activation of an emergency action plan (EAP) is typically signaled by a long whistle blast. This method serves as a clear and distinct signal that immediately captures the attention of lifeguards and alerts them to the necessity of implementing the EAP. The use of a long whistle blast ensures that all lifeguards within the vicinity recognize the urgency of the situation without confusion, allowing for prompt response and coordinated efforts in addressing emergencies.

Other methods, such as tapping the shoulder of another lifeguard, may not provide enough attention or urgency in chaotic situations. Raising both hands might be used in some contexts to signal a need for assistance, but it lacks the standardized clarity that a long whistle blast provides. Sounding an emergency siren could potentially be used in larger facilities or specific situations, but in the context of a typical shallow water lifeguarding setting, the long whistle blast remains the primary and most effective method for activating the EAP.