If a lifeguard fails to assess someone they have witnessed being injured, what might they be guilty of?

The correct answer is being negligent. In a lifeguard's role, there is an expectation to act promptly and responsibly when witnessing an incident, particularly one that poses any risk to a person's safety. Failing to assess someone who has been injured means the lifeguard is not fulfilling their duty to provide assistance and evaluate the situation, which may lead to further harm or complications for the injured person.

Negligence occurs when a person fails to take reasonable care to prevent possible harm to another individual. By not assessing the injury, the lifeguard may recognize the potential risks involved and fail to take appropriate action, thus breaching their professional responsibility. This can have serious legal and ethical ramifications, as it reflects a disregard for the safety and well-being of others.

Being proactive, careful, or thorough are characteristics that one would expect from a trained lifeguard, particularly in emergency situations. However, the act of failing to assess an injured person directly correlates with neglecting their duties and responsibilities, highlighting why negligence is the correct term in this context.