When you are screening patrons to determine if they should be assigned to swimming or non-swimming areas, what should you have them do?

The correct approach involves having patrons demonstrate swimming ability that is appropriate for the activity they are engaging in. This ensures that individuals are not only capable of swimming but also possess the necessary skills that match the demands of the specific area or activity they wish to participate in. For example, a person who wants to swim in a deep section of the pool should be able to demonstrate proficiency in techniques like freestyle, proper breathing, or even more advanced strokes, assuring their safety and the safety of others.

By assessing swimming ability in relation to the designated activity, staff can make informed decisions regarding which individuals are safe to swim in various areas. This tailored assessment ensures that guidelines are followed and that patrons are placed in environments that match their skills, enhancing overall safety.

Other options may not effectively evaluate a patron's readiness for swimming in a safe manner. Simply swimming out and back or demonstrating underwater skills does not address whether the individual's overall swimming capabilities are adequate for the specific environment. Additionally, asking patrons if they can keep their head above water gives limited insight into their actual swimming proficiency and could lead to misunderstandings about their ability to navigate through more demanding aquatic situations.