American Red Cross Lifeguard Written Exam Questions 2022/2023 | Consisting Of 115 Questions With Verified Answers From Experts

What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
to prevent drowning and other injuries from occurring at your aquatic facility.

Provide three examples of how lifeguards fulfill their primary responsibility
monitoring activities in and near the water through patron servaliance, preventing injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors, enforcing facility rules and regulations and educating patrons about them, recognizing and responding quickly and effectively to all the emergencies, administering first air and CPR including using an automated external defibrillator (AED) and if trained, administering emergency oxygen when needed, working as a team with other lifeguards, faculty, and staff management.

list 5 examples of secondary responsibilities (other tasks) that should never interfere with patron serveillance
testing the pool water chemistry, assist patrons by performing safety orientations, administering swim tests, fitting life jackets and other duties, cleaning or performing maintenance, completing records and reports, performing opening duties, closing duties, or facility safety checks and inspections.

list 5 characteristics of a professional lifeguard
knowledgable and skilled, reliable, mature, courteous and consistent, positive, professional, healthy and fit

lifeguards should:
always be attentive and sit or stand upright when on surveillance duty

a lifeguard is texting while on surveillance duty and fails to recognize a swimmer in distress. what legal principle could be a problem for this lifeguard?
negligence

list the 5 steps that a lifeguard should take when obtaining consent from an injured or ill person before providing first air or emergency care
state your name, state your level of training, ask if you may help, explain that you would like to assess them to find out what you think may be wrong or what you can do to help, explain what you plan to do.

what is the validity of an American Red Cross lifeguarding certification? how does an American Red Cross certified lifeguard get recertified?
(2 years.) annual certification training.

why is it important to attend a pre-season orientation and training
to ensure lifeguards understand their responsibilities and know how to perform their job, to ensure that they get practice with their facilities safety and rescue equipment and emergency action plans, to ensure they understand codes, rules and regulations of their facility.

what does EAP stand for
emergency action plan

why is it important for lifeguards and other team members to understand and practice the EAP
to know what role you’ll play, to know how you all work as a team

what is the best practice for the frequency of in-service training participation at well-managed aquatic facilities
at least. hours of in service training each month

what are the benefits of regular, frequent in-service training
gives you a chance to maintain your knowledge and skills at a professional level and practice with the lifeguards at your facility.

list. topics that could be a discussed during in-service training
surveillance and recognition, water and land rescue skills, emergency response drills, decision making protocols, facility rules and regulations, customer service, records and reports and physical conditioning.

what items are considered to be personal protective equipment for a lifeguard
resuscitation mask and gloves. (may also include gowns, masks, shields, protective eyewear)

what equipment should be worn or carried by a lifeguard at all times while on duty? list at least two and include the reasons why this equipment should be worn or carried
rescue tube (keeping people afloat), resuscitation mask (one way mouth to mouth contact for oxygen) and gloves (protect yourself from infectious materials). (whistle: to signal other lifeguards)

what safety equipment/items should be easily accessible for a lifeguard while on duty? list at least two and describe how/when each item is used
back boards (to remove victims from the water when they are unable to exit on their own), rescue buoy (to throw to a person to keep them afloat), other personal protective equipment (PPE), other resuscitation equipment, an automated external defibrillator (AED), first aid supplies and rescue boards.

as a lifeguard you are responsible for?
consistently enforcing your facilities rules and regulations

list 5 common rules and regulations often posted at an aquatic facility
swim only when a lifeguard is on duty, swim diapers are required for small children or people with incontience, no swimming with open or infected wounds, obey lifeguard instructions at all times, no hyperventilating before swimming, underwater or breath holding contests, no sitting of playing near or with drains or suction fittings, dive only in designated areas, no glass containers in the pool area and locker rooms, no alcoholic beverages or drugs allowed.

explain what it means to be equipped and rescue ready
having like the proper things on you and being alert (not doing other things)

list each type of swimmers in distress or growing victims with three observable characteristics for each
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DISTRESSED SWIMMER: above the water, trying to support self by holding or clinging to a lane, line, expression for concern for personal safety, is breathing, floating, sculling or treading water, might wave for help, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, little or no forward moving progress, less and less able to support self, able to call for help but might not do so, at the surface of water.

DROWNING VICTIM- ACTIVE: someone who is struggling to remain at the surface of the water, they are tying to keep their mouth above the water (instinctive drowning response). they may not be able to call out for help, works to keep their face above the water, may be horizontal face down position, has extended arms to the side or front pressing down for support, is positioned vertically in the water with an ineffective kick, might continued to struggle underwater once submerged, eventually will loose consciousness and stop moving.

DROWNING VICTIM – PASSIVE: no struggle/slipping underwater due to a medical condition such as having a heart, seizure, head injury, heart related illness, hypothermia, hyperventilation/prolonged underwater breath holding. they might float face down or near the surface or bottom, might be limp or have little movement, have no body action/no breathing, might look like their floating, may be face down, on one side, face up or at the bottom.

roving stations
when a facility is unusually crowded. a roving lifeguard is assigned to a specific zone, which is covered by another lifeguard on an elevated station. they walk around and are able to position themseleves where needed in the zone.

elevated stations
most effective posistion for a broad view. single lifeguard.

ground level stations
fixed location on a deck or in shallow water. quick response to be close to patrons so you can assist quickly and enforce safety rules.

floating station
watching swimmers from a water craft (boat like at camp) patrol on the outer edge of the swimming area, can be quickly to the rescue. could be a knack, rowboat.

a lifeguard on duty should be able to recognize and reach a drowning victim within?
30 seconds

the size of a zone should allow for a lifeguard to recognize an emergency, reach the victim, extricate and provide ventilations within___. explain why
1 1/2 – 2 minutes

total coverage
you are the only lifeguard while you are on duty, you have to scan the entire area, control the activities of patrons in and out of the water and recognize and respond to emergencies

zone coverage
the swimming area is divided into zones, with one guard for each zone, they should overlap

lifeguards should be actively __ in their zones. why?
searching

you are guarding a lap swim with only two patrons. all of the following will help you deal with the monotony except for which?
swing your whistle lanyard

it is very hot in your facility and you are starting to doze on the stand. all of the following can help you stay alert except for which?
jump in the pool while on servallience duty to cool off

the glare of the lights on the water movements are making it hard to see all areas of your zone. what are all the acceptable options.
wear polarized sunglasses, change body position, reposition your lifeguard station (with approval)

why is it important for lifeguard managers to conduct drills to test zones
to test the effectiveness of their zones and make any modifications as necessary

_, which can be described as rapid, deep breathing, is a dangerous technique used by some swimmers to try to swim long distances underwater or to hold their breath for an extended period while submerged in one place. if you see these dangerous activities you must intervene.
voluntary hyperventilation

RID stands for
recognition, intrusion, distraction

recognition: recognizing a person in distress or drowning

intrusion: when secondary duties intrude on your primary duties

distraction: talking to people while on duty

during rotation both lifeguards must ensure their is no lapse in patron survellience, even for a brief moment. to ensure this, what should each lifeguard do.
the incoming lifeguard should:search the zone and be aware of the actity level in the zone you will be guarding, be searching your zone as you walk towards your station, checking all areas of the water from the bottom to the surface

the outgoing lifeguard should:inform of any situations that need special attention, confirm that the transfer is good and continue scanning as you walk to your next station

list three major strategies a lifeguard can use to prevent injuries at an aquatic facility
informing and educating patrons of risks that could cause injuries, enforcing the rules (ensuring that the facility is safe and providing effective patron servalience, educating and informing patrons and enforcing your facility rules) Communicating with patrons

list three things that can determine if a life jacket is appropriate for use
swimming ability, activity and water conditions

list two guidelines you should keep in mind when providing survalience for patrons
guarding areas for young children: older children may be too large for some structures or their play might be too rough for young children, toddlers who are still learning how to walk may fall easily, children often get lost (remind parents to watch their kids), you must watch out for children using the pool as a toilet, children do not think about sunburning or hypothermia

play structures: do not let the play structure become overcrowded, do not allow people to swim underneath them, watch to ensure patrons return to the surface after dropping from a floating feature, play close attention to kids playing in interactive water structures (they might run and fall) pay close attention to people min moving water, watch for overcrowding and horseplay, keep safe and orderly, watch for people who climb onto floating objects and jump back into the water, watch for people who throw toys and might hit people

identify three strategies for ensuring safe group visits
booking procedure, safety orientation, classification of swimmer abilities, designation of swimming areas, identification of group leaders or adult chaperones, supplemental group strategies (body checks, layer of protection)

why is it important to educate your patrons about safety in, on, and around the water
so that they can avoid injury

describe the steps in order to conduct a swim test

enter the water and completely submerge
recover to the surface and remain there for at least one minute (floating or treading)
rotate 360 degrees and orient to the exit
level off and propel oneself on the front or the back through the water for at least 25 yards
exit the water

why should an EAP be facility specific
different facility layouts, number of staff on duty at a time, location of backup lifeguards and other safety team members, equipment used and typical response times of the local emergency medical services (EMS) system.

provide three examples of situation based EAPs
water emergency- drowning victim – active

water emergency- drowning victim – passive

water emergency- spinal injury victim

water emergency – missing person

land emergency – injury or illness

others include: evacuations, sheltering in place, severe weather, chemical spills or leaks, power failures, violence, thefts in progress

what order

rescue, equipment check, signal, return to duty, report/advise/release
signal, rescue, report/advise/release, equipment check, return to duty

describe the actions of the additional safety team members listed below during a rescue where the victim is unresponsive and requires additional emergency care
other lifeguards: help

additional safety team members (front desk staff, maintenance staff) assisting with emergency rescues if trained, summoning EMS, bringing rescue equipment, clearing the swimming area, altering additional safety memebers, controlling bystanders, securing and protecting the area or evacuating the facility, notifying the chain of command (lifeguard supervisor, manager, etc.), meeting and directing EMS responders to the scene, collecting information for reports, dealing with questions from the media or patrons.

when completing a report you should
collect all factual information about what was seen, heard and the actions taken

who should deal with questions from the media after an incident and why
only management or designated spokesperson should talk to the media

why might a supervisor chose NOT to re-open a facility that was closed during an emergency? provide an example
depends on safety issues such as weather enough lifeguards are ready to return to survalience duty, all of the required equipment is in place or spills involving blood or other potentially infectious materials have been all cleaned up

members of the safety team, including non-lifeguard personnel should be
aquatics instructors, admissions personnel, retail, concession, administrative staff, maintenance, custodial, security people, supervisors, administrators (park rangers, game wardens, marine safety officers, etc.) TRAINED AND CERTIFIED IN FIRST AIR AND CPR/AED AT THE SAME LEVEL OF THE LIFEGUARD TEAM

explain each task
report: collecting all the required info about the victim such as name, address, contact info (before releasing the victim) then continue filling out the info regarding the rescue (do not record opinions or info given to you by someone else) Sometimes you’ll take witness statements, remember what documentation for legal reasons is needed

advise: might give safety instructions to victim for next time, or tell them what they should do to treat themselves, might have EMS give advise (always document actions and advice on the incident report)

release: a victim may only be released when the rescue and emergency care provided by you and safety team is complete. you might release them under their own care or to the care of EMS. always document that the victim was released

list the general procedures in order for situations involving a water rescue

activate the emergency action plan (EAP
enter the water, if necessary
perform an appropriate rescue
move the victim to a safe exit point
remove the victim from the water
provide emergency care as needed
report, advise, release

what are some factors that should be considered when deciding how to enter the water
water depth, location and condition of the victim, location of other swimmers, design of the lifeguard station, your location, facility set up and type of equipment used (rescue board, rescue body, rescue tube)

what additional factors should be considered when deciding how to enter the water and why
the depth of the water, the height and position of the lifeguard station, obstacles in the water such as people, lane lines, and safety lines, the location and condition of the victim, the type of rescue equipment, the design of the facility

scenario and entry
slide in entry: safest, useful in shallow water, crowded pools or when the persons injury is close to the side of the pool

stride jump: only if the water is at least 5 feet deep and you are more than 3 feet above the water

compact jump: entering from a deck or height (when you are more than 3 feet above water the water must be at least 5 feet deep

run and swim entry: entering from a gradual slope (wave pool or shoreline)

what are the two most common assists and when should each be used
the most common way that lifeguards help patrons who are in trouble in shallow water

simple assist: can be used in shallow water to help a person stand. rescue a victim who is submerged and within reach

reaching assist: assist a distressed swimmer who is close to the side of the pool by extending a rescue tube. the swimmer is able to grab for it.

rescue and extrication methods
active victim front rescue: a drowning victim facing towards you

active victim rear rescue: a drowning victim facing away from you

passive victim front rescue: face down, unresponsive, no head injury facing towards you

passive victim rear rescue: face down unresponsive no head injury away from you

-using a backboard
-quick removal for a small victim
-walking assist
-beach drag
-rescue board

what are the four core objectives in any rescue situation
ensure the safety of the victim, yourself and others in the vicinity. this includes the entry, approach, rescue, removal, and care provided.

use a rescue technique that is appropriate and effective for the situation

provide and appropriate assessment always treating life threatening conditions first

handle the rescue with a sense of urgency

touching solid dressings that are contaminated with potentially infectious material is an example of
indirect contact

examples of work practice controls include
dispose of sharp objects, avoid splashing, spraying or splattering droplets of blood or other infectious materials when performing procedures, remove and dispose soiled protective clothing asap, clean and disinfect all equipment or work surfaces, use good hand hygiene, don’t eat drink smoke or apply lip cosmetics or touch the eye mouth or nose when an infectious area is near, isolate contaminated areas for others

the OSHA recommended solution to use disinfecting contaminated or soiled equipment and surfaces is
1 part bleach to 9 parts of water

place the following general procedures for injury or sudden illness on land in order

size up the scene
perform a primary assessment
summon EMS
perform secondary assessment
provide care for conditions found
report, advise, and release

describe 6 actions you should take or determinations that you should make while performing a scene size up
1.use your senses to check for hazards that could present a danger to you or the victim, such as unusual odors

use appropriate PPE
determine the number of injured or ill victims
determine the nature of the illness or what cause the injury
form an initial impression that may indicate a life threatening emergency
determine what additional resources may be needed

provide a situation and specific example of when you should move a victim who is on land
when emergency occurs in the water

for land only move them after you have conducted an assessment and provided care

move a victim only if: you are faced with immediate danger, you need to get to other victims who have more serious injuries or illnesses, it is necessary to provide appropriate care (moving to perform CPR)

if you are alone when responding to someone who is ill when should you call first or care first
call first: any adult or child about 12 years of age or older who is unresponsive, a child or infant who suddenly collapsed that you witnessed, an unresponsive child or infant known to have heart problems

care first: an unresponsive child who you did not see collapse, a victim suspected of drowning

how do you tell the difference between a child, adult, and infant
child: 1-12 years old (1-puberty)

infant: younger than 1 years old

adult: 12 years or older

when would you give 2 ventilations before starting CPR:
for unresponsive person who is not breathing or no pulse to begin CPR

if u find a victim unresponsive as a result of drowning

if the victim is not breathing, no pulse, and not in the water (cardiac emergency)

lack of oxygen can eventually stop the heart (cardiac arrest) and prevent blood from reaching the brain and other vital organs in as little as minutes after submerging. brain cell damage or death begins to occur within to _ minutes
3 minutes

4 to 6 minutes

respiratory distress
a victim who is having difficulty breathing

respiratory arrest
a victim who has stopped breathing but has a pulse

list 5 possible causes of respiratory distress
a partually obstructed airway, illness, chronic conditions (asthma, emphysema, congestive heart failure), electrocution, heart attack, injury to the head, chest, lungs, or abdomen, allergic reactions, drug overdose, poisoning, emotional distress, anaphylactic shock

when caring for a person in respiratory distress _
maintain open airway, summon EMS, help the victim to rest in a comfortable position that makes breathing easier, reassure and comfort the victim, assist the victim with any of their medication, keep the victim from getting chilled or over heated, administer emergency oxygen and monitor it if trained and available

list 5 possible causes or respiratory arrest
drowning, obstructed airway, injury to the head, chest, lungs, abdomen, illness, respiratory conditions, congestive heart failure, heart attack, coronary heart disease, allergic reactions, electrocution, shock, poisoning, drug overdose, emotional distress

when checking to see if someone is breathing you should
see if the victims chest clearly rises and falls

the normal breathing rate for an adult is between _ and __ breathes per minute
12 and 20 breaths per minute

what is a lifeguards objective when caring for a drowning victim who is not breathing
get the victims mouth and nose out of the water, open the airway and given ventilations as quickly as possible

when giving ventilations to an adult who is not breathing but has a definite pulse, you should give how many ventilations
1 ventilation every 5-6 seconds lasting about 1 second

when giving ventilations to an child who is not breathing but has a definite pulse, you should give how many ventilations
1 ventilation every 3 seconds for one second

what should you do if you are giving ventilations and the victims chest does not rise after the first breath
reopen the airway, make a seal and try a second breath. then move to compressions

describe the appropriate care for a conscious person with an airway obstruction (chocking)
get consent (identify yourself), encourage them to cough it up, 5 back blows, 5 abdominal thrusts

if a conscious chocking victim becomes unresponsive what should you do
lower the victim to the ground and get an AED and summon EMS. begin CPR with chest compressions, give ventilations

30 compressions, 2 ventilations

describe the 5 links in the cardiac chain of survival for adults

recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
early car to keep oxygen rich blood flowing and to help delay brain damage and death
early debrilliation to help restore an effective heart rhythm and significantly increase the victims chance for survival
advanced life support using advanced medical personnel who can provide the proper tools and medication needed to continue the lifesaving care
integrated post cardiac arrest care to optimize ventilation and oxygenation and treat hypotension immediately after the return of the spontaneous circulation

for each minute CPR and defibrillation are delayed, the victims chance of survival is reduced by about __ percent
10%

what should you do if you think someone is having a heart attack
summon EMS and provide prompt care, ask open ended questions such as how are you feeling and hear the symptoms in the victims own words.

take immediate action and summon Ems, have the victim stop any activity and rest in a comfortable position, loosen tight or uncomfortable clothing, closely monitor the victim until EMS the over. comfort the victim, be prepared to perform CPR and use AED

signs of cardiac arrest include
sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, abnormal breathing, no pulse

what is the objective of CPR
to perform a combination of effective chest compressions and ventilations to circulate blood that contains oxygen the victims brain and other vital organs

compressions given at the correct rate of at least _ per minute to a maximum of _ per minute
100, 120

what is the appropriate compression depth when providing CPR to an adult
2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches

when providing two rescuer CPR, when should rescuers change positions
at least every 2 minutes (5 cycles of 30 compressions 2 ventilations)

you arrive on the scene when another lifeguard is performing CPR, what should you do first
confirm weather EMS has been called, if they haven’t, call, if they have get the AED or help perform CPR

when performing 2 rescuer CPR on an infant, describe how lifeguards should modify the following
compression to ventilation ratio: 15:2 not 30:2

the compression technique: encircling thumbs technique

provide 3 examples why a lifeguard could or should stop CPR
you see an obvious sign of life (normal breathing or movement), an AED is ready to analyze, other trained responders EMS is there, you are too exhausted to continue,. the scene becomes unsafe

true or false: it is not appropriate to use an AED on a victim who is pregnant and why
YOU CAN USE AN AED ON PREGNANT WOMAN

when completing a secondary assessment, lifeguards use SAMPLE to gather a brief history of the responsive victim, what does the mnemonic SAMPLE stand for
signs and symtoms

allergies

medications

pertinent past medical history

last oral intake

events leading up to the incident

list 5 symptoms of sudden illness
changes in LOC, nausea or vommiting, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, numbness or weakness, loss of vision or blurred vision, changes in breathing, changes in skin color, sweating, persistent pressure or pain, diarrhea, paralysis, severe headache

list the general precautions for injury or sudden illness on land
care for any life threatening conditions first, monitor the victims condition and watch for changes in LOC, keep the victim comfortable and reassure them, keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated, do not give them anything to eat or drink unless they are capable of it, care for other problems that develop (such as vommiting)

how should you provide care for a victim experiences a diabetic emergency
give them sugar 15-20 grams, jelly beans, organge juice, whole milk

when would you summon EMS personnel for a victim of a diabetic emergency. provide 2 examples
the person is unresponsive, the person is responsive but not folly awake and not able to swallow, the person doesn’t feel better within 10-15min or feels worse, a form of sugar can’t be found immediately

list 3 reasons why you should summon EMS personnel for a victim who is having, or had a seizure
it occurs in the water, its the persons first one, it lasts more than 5 minutes, they have repeated seizures with no lucid period, they are injured, the cause is unknown, the person is pregnant, they have diabetes, they fail to regain consciousness afterwards, they are elderly and may have had a stroke

put the care steps in order

summon EMS personnel
support the person with their head above water
remove from water
position on back and start primary assessment
if breathing position them on side

what sudden illness could someone who lost their balance and has blurred speech and numb arm be expierencing
stroke

what does FAST stand for and when would you use it
face, arm, speech, time

what are a lifeguards objectives while waiting for EMS personnel to arrive

what are the signs and symptoms of shock
restlessness or irritability, altered LOC, pale, cool, moist skin, vommiting, rapid breathing/pulse, excessive thirst

__ is a life threatening condition that occurs when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and stop functioning
heat stroke

list 3 signs and symptoms of the condition descirbed above
changes in LOC, skin that is hot to touch, skin that is wet/dry/red/pale, vision disturbances, seizures, committing, rapid/shallow breathing, rapid/weak pulses, lack of sweating

list 3 examples of high impact/high risk activities in an aquatic environment
enterting head first into shallow water, falling from greater than standing height, entering the pool from a height (diving board, water slide, etc.), striking a submerged or floating object, receiving a bow to the head, colliding with another swimmer, striking the water with high impact such as falling while water skiing or surfing

spinal injury procedures in order

activate the AEP
safely enter the water
perform a rescue providing manual in line stabilization
check for responsiveness and breathing (if breathing proceed, if not remove the person from water using passive extractive technique)
re-assess the victims condition and provide appropriate care

the __ technique is used for performing manual in line stabilization for victims in the water
head splint

backboards work best when they are equipped with
a chest strap to secure the victim, a head immobilizer device that can be attached to the top of the board

what should you do after you enter the water with a spinal injury
put them on the backboard

appropriate rescue techniques for a victim with a spinal injury
spinal back boarding procedures, spinal back boarding procedure-high edges, spinal back boarding procedure-speed slide

what should you tell the victim with a back boarding spinal procedure
let them know what you are doing and reassure them along the way. tell them to nod their head yes or no to your questions

describe 4 ways additional lifeguards can help during spinal back boarding and extraction from the water
help to submerge, position and stabilize the backboard from the deck, support in water rescue in deep water, support the backboard while the chest strap and head immobilizer are secured, communicating with and reassuring the victim, guiding the backboard as it is being removed from the water, providing care after the victim has been removed from the water

What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
To prevent drowning and other injuries from occurring at their aquatic facility

Provide three examples of how lifeguards fulfill their primary responsibility.
Monitoring activities in and near the water through patron surveillance, Administering first aid, CPR, and AED, and Working as a team with other lifeguards, facility staff, and management

List five examples of secondary responsibilities that should never interfere with patron surveillance.
Testing pool water chemistry, Assist patrons by performing safety orientations, administrating swim tests, fitting life jackets, and other duties, Cleaning or performing maintenance, Completing records and reports, and Performing opening duties, closing duties, or facility safety checks and inspections

List five characteristics of a professional lifeguard.
Knowledgeable and skilled, Reliable, Mature, Courteous and consistent, and Positive

Lifeguards should always do what?
Be attentive and sit or stand upright when on surveillance duty

A lifeguard is texting while on surveillance duty and fails to recognize a swimmer in distress. What legal principle could be a problem for this lifeguard?
Negligence

List the five steps that a lifeguard should take when obtaining consent from an injured or ill person before providing first aid or emergency care.
State your name, State your level of training, Ask if you may help, Explain that you would like to assess them to find out what you think may be wrong or what you can do to help

What is the validity period of an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification?
Two years

How does an American Red Cross certified lifeguard get recertified?
Going through the Lifeguard class or course again

Why is it important to attend a pre-season orientation and training?
To ensure that lifeguards understand their responsibilities and know how to perform their job, To ensure that lifeguards get practice with their facility’s safety and rescue equipment and emergency action plans, and To ensure lifeguards understand codes, rules, and regulations of the facility

What does EAP stand for?
Emergency Action Plan

Why is it important for lifeguards and other team members to understand and practice the EAP?
So everyone knows their responsibilities and can perform them effectively

What is the best practice for the frequency of in-service training participation at well-managed aquatic facilities?
At least four hours of in-service training each month

What are four topics that could be a discussed during in-service training?
Surveillance and recognition, Water and land rescue skills, Emergency response drills, and Decision-making protocols (or Facility rules and regulations, Customer service, Records and reports, and Physical conditioning)

What are the benefits of regular, frequent in-service training?
Helps you maintain your knowledge and skills at a professional level, gives you a chance to practice with other lifeguards at your facility, and it will help you to efficiently respond as a team in an emergency

In a water park setting, what additional items might be included in a safety checklist?
Inspecting and test run of rides and slides, Checking that rafts, tubes, and/or sleds are properly inflated and the handles are secure, Landing areas are free of rough surfaces and debris, Water level and flow is appropriate for attraction, and Electronic dispatch systems are tested and are operating properly

Why should water parks have signs posted at every attraction stating the water depth?
To prevent patrons from finding themselves in water that is deeper or shallower than they expected

What rules are typically covered at water park attractions?
The minimum or maximum number of people allowed on an attraction or tube at a time, The maximum and minimum height or weight requirements for patrons using an attraction, Rules for winding rivers, No jumping or diving into the water, No climbing on any features, Rules for water slides, and No stacking of tubes or life jackets

What are some factors that make lifeguarding water parks different than typical pool?
Various attractions, Ride Vehicles, Currents on attractions, Potentially larger crowds, and Different rules and EAPs

What items are considered to be personal protective equipment for a lifeguard?
Gowns, Shields, Resuscitation masks, Gloves, and Protective Eyewear

What equipment should be worn or carried by a lifeguard at all times while on duty? (List at least two and include the reason(s) why this equipment should be worn or carried.)
Rescue tubes are capable of keeping multiple victims afloat and whistles are used to activate their facility’s EAP and get attention of other members of the safety team and patrons for policy enforcement

What safety equipment/items should be easily accessible for a lifeguard while on duty?(List at least two and describe how/when each item is used.)
Backboards are used to remove victims from the water when they are unable to exit the water on their own or when they have a possible injury to the head, neck, or spine and first aid kits include supplies used to treat common injuries at aquatic facilities

As a lifeguard you are responsible for consistently enforcing what?
Your facility’s rules and regulations

List the five common rules and regulations often posted at an aquatic facility.
Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty, No running, pushing, or rough play, Dive in designated areas, No swimming with open or infected wounds, and No alcoholic beverages or drug use allowed

Explain what it means to be “equipped and rescue-ready.”
You are wearing or carrying the appropriate rescue equipment for your facility and ready to enter the water to perform a rescue

What is a good list of typical safety checklist items, along with others, applies to a lakefront swimming area?
Bottom conditions, pier attachments, buoys, and safety lines

What is a list of typical rules that applies to a lakefront swimming area?
No swimming under piers and no fishing near swimming area

In general there are three types of swimmers in distress or drowning victims. List each type with three observable characteristics for each.
Distressed swimmer

May be able to keep their face out of the water
May be able to call or wave for help
Floating, sculling, or treading water

Active drowning victim

Not able to call for help
Has extended their arms to the side or front, pressing down for support
Is positioned vertically with an ineffective kick

Passive drowning victim

Might float face down at or near the surface or might sink to the bottom
May be limp or have slight convulsive-type movements
Has no defined arm or leg action, no locomotion, and no breathing

What type of station puts you close to the patrons to easily make assists?
Ground-Level Stations

What type of station is used in waterfront facilities to patrol the outer edge of a swimming area?
Floating Stations

What type of station is ideal for a single guard facility?
Elevated Station

What type of station is good to use with a crowded zone?
Roving Stations

A lifeguard on duty should be able to recognize and reach a drowning victim within how much time?
30 seconds

The size of a zone should allow for a lifeguard to recognize an emergency, reach the victim, extricate and provide ventilation’s within how much time? Explain why.
1 1/2 to 2 minutes because in that amount of time you might be able to resuscitate the victim

What is the difference between total and zone coverage?
Total coverage – When only one lifeguard is conducting patron surveillance for an entire pool while on duty.

Zone coverage – When the swimming area is divided into separate zones, with one zone for each lifeguard station.

Lifeguards should be actively their zones, because .
Searching their zones because they need to recognize signs indicating that someone may need help.

You are guarding a lap swim with only two patrons. All of the following will help you deal with the monotony EXCEPT for which?
Swing your whistle lanyard

It is very hot in your facility and you are starting to doze on the stand. All of the following can help you stay alert EXECPT for which?
Jump in the pool while on surveillance
duty to cool off

The glare of the lights on the water and the water movements are making it hard to see all areas of your zone. What are some things you can do?

A | Wear polarized sunglasses.
Adjust your body position; stand up to look
around and through the glare spots.
Reposition the lifeguard station with the
permission of your supervisor.
Be aware of the normal appearance of the bottom of the pool; know the appearance of drains, colored tiles or painted depth markings.

Why is it important for lifeguard managers to conduct drills to test zones?

To determine what lifeguards can and cannot see from their station (Ask Drill)
To determine whether a lifeguard can reach the furthest and deepest part of their zone in 30 seconds (Live Recognition Drill)
To evaluate the ability of the lifeguard to get to a victim, conduct a rescue, extricate, and start ventilations

Fill in the blank: ____________________________ , which can be described as rapid, deep breathing, is a dangerous technique used by some swimmers to try to swim long distances underwater or to hold their breath for an extended period while submerged in one place. If you see these dangerous activities, you must intervene.
Voluntary hyperventilation

RID stands for
R: Recognition
I: Intrusion
D: Distraction

During rotation, both lifeguards must ensure there is no lapse in patron surveillance, even for a brief moment. To ensure this, what should each lifeguard do?
The incoming lifeguard should search the zone and be aware of the activity level in the zone you will be guarding. Begin searching your zone as
you are walking toward your station, checking all areas of the water from the
bottom to the surface

The outgoing lifeguard should inform you of any situations that need special attention. The exchange of information should be brief, and patron surveillance must be maintained throughout the entire rotation

Which scanning challenge often occurs at waterfronts but should not exist at pools?
Murky water

Who normally provides training for watercraft used at some waterfront facilities?
Facility management

List the three major strategies a lifeguard can use to help prevent injuries at an aquatic facility.
1) Safety checks
2) Enforcing rules
3) Recognize changing water and weather conditions

List three things that can help determine if a life jacket is appropriate for use.
1) Jacket is appropriately sized for patron
2) Jacket is properly worn
3) Jacket is in good working condition

Many facilities have unique challenges that demand different kinds of surveillance. For each situation listed below, list two guidelines you should keep in mind when providing surveillance for patrons.
Guarding areas for young children:
1) Children might get list so remind parents to keep an eye on their children
2) Watch out for children using the pool as a toilet

Play structures:
1) Watch for overcrowding and horseplay on structures
2) Pay attention to patron moving in water as moving water can surprise people and they may lose their balance

Identify three strategies for ensuring safe group visits.
1) Safety orientations
2) Designation of swim areas
3) Identification of group leaders or adult chaperones

Why is it important to educate your patrons about safety in, on and around the water?
So they can know about the risks that can cause injury and how to use equipment and follow rules to prevent behaviors that lead to injury.

You are in the lifeguard office taking a break from surveillance duty and a camp counselor requests a swim test for a new camper. You use the Red Cross water competency sequence to conduct a swim test. Describe these steps in order:
1) Enter the water and completely submerge.
2) Recover to the surface and remain there for at least 1 minute (floating or treading).
3) Rotate 360 degrees and orient to the exit.
4) Level off and propel oneself on the front or the back through the water for at least 25 yards.
5) Exit from the water

At waterfront facilities using swim tests for group visits, areas for nonswimmers should:
Be separated from the swimmer area with a continuous barrier, such as a pier or buoyed lifeline.

Why should an EAP be facility specific?
Because every facility is designed differently, different equipment, and different response.

Provide three examples of situation-based EAPs.
1) Water Emergency- passive victim
2)Water Emergency- active victim
3)Land Emergency- injury or illness

What are the EAP actions for a situation where the victim is responsive and does not require additional care?
1) Signal
2) Rescue
3) Report, advise, release
4) Equipment check/corrective action
5) Return to duty

Describe the actions of the additional safety team members listed below during a rescue where the victim is unresponsive and requires additional emergency care.
Other lifeguards:
1) The water or land rescue and providing emergency care
2) Back-up zone coverage or clearing the area

Additional safety team members:
(Front desk staff, maintenance staff or others as designated by the EAP)
1) Summoning EMS personnel
2) Bringing additional equipment, if necessary
3) Clearing the area or facility
4) Controlling the crowd
5) Meeting EMS personnel

When completing a report, you should:
Collect all factual information about what was seen, heard and the actions taken.

Who should deal with questions from the media after an incident? Select all
that apply.

Why?
Facility manager or company spokesperson – your doing so may lead to legal action.

Why might a supervisor chose NOT to re-open a facility that was closed during an
emergency? Provide one example.
There might not be enough lifeguards to return or there might be spills that need to be cleaned up

Members of the safety team, including non-lifeguard personnel, should be:
Trained and certified in first aid and CPR/AED at the same level of the lifeguard team (for professionals)

After an emergency has been resolved, there are still three important tasks to
complete. Explain each task.
Report: complete an incident report form

Advise: advise the victim on next steps (ex. go to doctor)

Release: release the victim to the appropriate parties (ex: child to their parent)

You must be prepared to respond to emergencies that are outside of the immediate aquatic environment and not part of your zone of responsibility. Describe three areas where these emergencies could occur.
1) Parking lots
2) Locker rooms
3) Lobby areas

An EAP for a missing person includes quickly checking if the person is in the water. Checking for a submerged victim is most difficult for which area?
Underneath play structures at a waterfront with murky water

List the general procedures, in order, for situations involving a water rescue.
1) Activate the emergency action plan
2) Enter the water, if necessary
3) Perform an appropriate rescue
4) Move the victim to a safe exit point
5) Remove the victim from water
6) Provide emergency care as needed
7) Report, advise, and release

What are some factors that should be considered when deciding how to enter the water?

Location of victim
Condition of victim
Location of other swimmers
Your location
Type of equipment used
Facility setup
Water depth