YMCA Lifeguard Practice Test

The purpose of the submerge defense in lifeguarding is primarily to protect the lifeguard from being grabbed or pulled under by a distressed swimmer. This technique involves submerging oneself to avoid a potential grab, allowing the lifeguard to maintain control of the situation while also lowering the risk of being pulled under and incapacitated. While options related to retrieving a victim or allowing safe surfacing are relevant in a broader context of rescue techniques, they do not encapsulate the primary defensive role of the submerge defense itself. Instead, this method prioritizes the safety of the lifeguard by utilizing strategic movement to navigate around a distressed swimmer rather than engaging directly until the situation is more stable.