Visual search for drowning swimmers: Investigating the impact of lifeguarding experience

How does domain expertise influence dynamic visual search? Previous studies of visual search often use abstract search arrays that are devoid of applied context, with comparatively few studies exploring applied naturalistic and dynamic settings. The current research adds to this literature by examining lifeguard drowning-detection across two studies using naturalistic, dynamic search tasks. Behavioural responses and eye-movement data were recorded as participants watched staged video clips and attempted to identify if a swimmer was drowning. The results demonstrate lifeguard superiority in response times to drowning events, compared to non-lifeguards. No differences between lifeguard and non-lifeguard eye-movements were noted however. This suggests that the experiential benefit in response times results from other underlying processes, rather than any scanning benefits. This research highlights the complex nature of naturalistic and dynamic searches, while demonstrating the robust nature of simulated videos in producing experience effects in visual search.

Automated summary

This study examined lifeguard drowning-detection by recording behavioral responses and eye-movement data as participants watched staged video clips. Lifeguards showed superior response times in identifying drowning events, compared to non-lifeguards, suggesting that the experiential benefit comes from underlying processes rather than scanning advantages. This research demonstrates the complex nature of dynamic searches and the robust effects of simulated videos in visual search.