Interesting math story problem, but probably not much use for real lifeguards. Is there any observational evidence that lifeguards choose paths this way, rathe

Interesting math story problem, but probably not much use for real lifeguards. Is there any observational evidence that lifeguards choose paths this way, rather than the direct line or shortest water path? Perhaps they do some optimization, particularly for very oblique angles, but in real "shoreline" situations, I expect wave and current action will dominate the optimization, rather than the delta between running and swimming speed. Guidelines for lifeguards talk about avoiding water entry if possible and definitely avoiding direct contact from the victim if at all possible (https://www.sauvetage.qc.ca/en/lifeguarding/rescue-techniques/ladder-approach-step-step-procedure-successful-rescues https://www.sauvetage.qc.ca/en/lifeguarding/rescue-technique...) but don't really address the run-vs-walk choices.