Which signal should a lifeguard use to call for backup during an in-water rescue?

• A. Whistle blast.
• B. Scream loudly for attention.
• C. Flag wave.
• D. Bell ring.

Answer: (A)

Clear, rapid signaling is essential to summon help during an in-water rescue. A whistle blast is the best choice because it is loud, precise, and instantly recognizable as a request for assistance. It cuts through splash, crowd noise, and distance, and lifeguards are trained to respond to specific whistle patterns to cue their teammates without causing unnecessary alarm. The other signals don’t work as reliably: shouting can create panic and may be lost in the noise, a flag wave isn’t a standard, universally understood cue for backup, and a bell ring isn’t an established or easily heard signal in a busy aquatic environment.