What should a lifeguard do after every incident?

After every incident, a lifeguard should complete an incident report to document the details of what occurred. This is crucial as it provides a formal record of the event, including information such as the time, location, individuals involved, and a description of the incident and actions taken.

Incident reports are essential for several reasons. They help ensure that all relevant details are captured while they are still fresh in the lifeguard's mind. This documentation can be invaluable for reviewing procedures, training, or even legal considerations if necessary. It also contributes to the overall safety and operational procedures of the facility by helping management understand trends or recurring issues, enabling them to implement preventive measures.

While other options might seem plausible, they do not align with the standard practices and responsibilities of a lifeguard in response to incidents. Filing a lawsuit is not a proactive step a lifeguard would take; ignoring the situation is contrary to the lifeguard’s duty to ensure safety, and changing rescue procedures would require a thorough review rather than an immediate reaction based on a single incident. Thus, completing an incident report is the appropriate and professional action to take after any incident.