Well... not quite. Lifeguards CAN not only let you die- they totally can kill you! See- firstly- a lifeguard is more or less liable for a drowning on their watch if either the lifeguard can be shown to be negligent- ie: they weren’t watching their area, were distracted, etc, didn’t have proper training such as CPR- or if it can be shown to a judges satisfaction that the “average” lifeguard could of or would have reacted in a quicker or more prudent way.
But- if they have or can produce what seems a valid reason to not help- the liability is largely dissolved. Likewise- a person CAN refuse help from a lifeguard. Say they see you struggling and swim out- and you refuse help. Generally they must stay near you- but of course, there may be others in need of attention, so if you refuse help... they can’t baby sit you all day. They must try to save you- if able and safe to do so- if you are in eminent peril- but again- if you are able to refuse or resist... that’s that.
But say you are in choppy seas near rocks and unconscious? The lifeguard grabs you. The current takes you towards the rocks. The lifeguard can- and in most circumstances should- use your body as a human shield to protect themselves from the rocks. If they drown you both die. If you die- you were dead anyway. If you get badly injured- that’s usually seen as better than being dead.
If you are injured- the average lifeguards duty really stops at cpr. They aren’t medics. They don’t need to stabilize you or really even attend to you. Again- they have other duties and people may need them. If you’re conscious and refuse aid when on land- the lifeguard leaves you alone.
Of course we don’t empower lifeguards to straight up murder you. That goes counter to the job doesn’t it? Their job isn’t like a hospice worker- to make you comfortable until you die, or like a doctor- to provide you the best possible care in accordance with your wishes and beliefs. They save people from
Drowning or prevent drowning.
I’m glad you know. It was just a sort of fun fact for those who are not familiar with certain details of lifeguard duty- and also from the fact that I’ve often seen this meme used as a political/social message about assisted suicide or abortion. Wether it was created originally as a joke or satire and used for propaganda- or wether it was created specifically for such purposes- it was still worth mentioning.
Drowning or prevent drowning.