The present study sought to examine the gaze behaviours exhibited by lifeguards
with different levels of experience while performing a task focused on detecting drowning
incidents across extended periods. The results indicated a gradual decline in detection
performance over time, regardless of the lifeguards' levels of experience. Analysis of the
participants' gaze behaviours unveiled that this decline was associated with alterations in
both the number and duration of fixations. The results indicated that lifeguards with greater
experience maintained higher levels of detection performance and fixation numbers for
extended durations, while exhibiting consistent fixation durations throughout the task, in
contrast to their less experienced counterparts. These findings offer initial indications that
lifeguards with more experience may possess an attentional advantage during tasks
requiring sustained vigilance.