Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Lifeguard Practice Test 2025 - Free Lifeguard Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of the buddy system in swimming activities is to promote safety through mutual observation. This approach involves pairing swimmers so that each participant can look out for the other while they are in the water. By having a buddy, swimmers can quickly alert each other to potential dangers, provide assistance if someone is in trouble, and ensure that both individuals are aware of each other's safety status.

This system fosters a sense of responsibility and teamwork, enabling swimmers to remain vigilant about their own safety as well as that of their buddy. It is particularly important in recreational swimming and during lifeguard training, as it helps to reduce the risk of accidents and drowning. The other options, while they may highlight some aspects of swimming, do not focus on the fundamental safety principles that the buddy system is designed to uphold.