Why is rescue breathing important during a lifeguard response?

Rescue breathing is crucial during a lifeguard response because it plays a vital role in restoring adequate oxygen levels in a drowning victim. When a person is submerged in water, they can suffer from a lack of oxygen, which can lead to hypoxia, a condition where not enough oxygen reaches the body's tissues. By performing rescue breathing, a lifeguard delivers oxygen directly to the victim's lungs, helping to replace the oxygen that was lost and supporting the restoration of normal respiratory function.

This action is especially important in drowning scenarios, where the victim may not be breathing on their own or may have impaired breathing. Providing rescue breaths can help revive the victim and increase their chances of survival. The procedure effectively acts as a bridge until emergency medical services can take over with more advanced care. Thus, the importance of rescue breathing lies primarily in its ability to reintroduce vital oxygen into the victim's system, which is essential for sustaining life.