YMCA Lifeguarding Test |Guaranteed Pass
2026
What does the acronym PACA mean, and stand for? - answer-It represents the 4 steps in the
decision-
making process. The problem of the situation, the alternatives, the consequences of the
alternatives,
and the final action or decision
What is the Q-1-2 system? - answer-First asking a question, then a warning, then taking a
break. (ask to
leave the pool)
What does the Q-1-2 system do for a lifeguard? - answer-Helps become consistent and fair,
reduces
stress and emotion of enforcing the rules, allows to be focused on your designated area.
When enforcing the rules, what should you keep in mind? - answer-Be firm, fair, and tactful
What are the safety check systems? - answer-Roll call, buddy system, safety swim/band test,
swim
breaks, tag board, and multilevel safety approach
How many drownings a year are there? - answer-Roughly 3,600
What is the ratio for drowning children 14 and younger? - answer-1:4
How long does it take for a person to slip under the surface? - answer-It takes 20-60
seconds
How long does it take an adult to struggle to stay above water? - answer-60 seconds
When can a child perhaps fall below the surface of the water? - answer-20 seconds
What is drowning? - answer-It is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from
submersion/immersion in liquid
What is a distressed swimmer? - answer-Someone who is struggling to stay above the water
, Early warning signs of drowning - answer-A weak stroke, hair in the eyes, glassy eyes, two
heads
together, hand waving, moving toward a pier, erratic behavior, clinging to objects, neutral to
negative
buoyancy, inability to respond verbally
Characteristics of drowning victims - answer-An inability to call for help & a panicked facial
expression,
head back and body low into the water, arms extended out from the sides and moving up
and down
ineffectively in an attempt to keep the face above the water, little to no support from the
kick, an upright
(verticle) position facing the nearest source of assistance
Stages of drowning - answer-Initial Apnea, Dyspnea, Terminal Apnea, Cardiac Arrest
Initial Apnea - answer-The temporary loss of breathing, or holding of the breath. Glottis is
closed by
reflex. Water in mouth and throat cuts off the air to the lungs: Oxygen to the brain
decreases.
How long is Initial Apnea? - answer-0-3 minutes, excellent chance for normal survival
Dsypnea - answer-Difficult breathing, glottis being to partially relax. Body and head lower
into the water;
more water is swallowed. Water starts to fill the lungs, coughing and vomiting might occur.
Victims
become weaker from struggling and sinks lower into the water
How long is Dsypnea? - answer-60-90 seconds
Terminal Apnea - answer-Victim is unconscious and stops breathing. Water is persistent in
the lungs, lack
of oxygen to the brain may cause convulsions. Possible evacuation of the bladder and/or
bowels.
How long is Terminal Apnea? - answer-90 seconds- 3 minutes. Survival is likely but the
longer the time
period, the more probable it is that permanent neurological damage occurs.
Cardiac Arrest - answer-Heart ceases to function and pump blood. Eyes dilate and skin
turns blue.
2026
What does the acronym PACA mean, and stand for? - answer-It represents the 4 steps in the
decision-
making process. The problem of the situation, the alternatives, the consequences of the
alternatives,
and the final action or decision
What is the Q-1-2 system? - answer-First asking a question, then a warning, then taking a
break. (ask to
leave the pool)
What does the Q-1-2 system do for a lifeguard? - answer-Helps become consistent and fair,
reduces
stress and emotion of enforcing the rules, allows to be focused on your designated area.
When enforcing the rules, what should you keep in mind? - answer-Be firm, fair, and tactful
What are the safety check systems? - answer-Roll call, buddy system, safety swim/band test,
swim
breaks, tag board, and multilevel safety approach
How many drownings a year are there? - answer-Roughly 3,600
What is the ratio for drowning children 14 and younger? - answer-1:4
How long does it take for a person to slip under the surface? - answer-It takes 20-60
seconds
How long does it take an adult to struggle to stay above water? - answer-60 seconds
When can a child perhaps fall below the surface of the water? - answer-20 seconds
What is drowning? - answer-It is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from
submersion/immersion in liquid
What is a distressed swimmer? - answer-Someone who is struggling to stay above the water
, Early warning signs of drowning - answer-A weak stroke, hair in the eyes, glassy eyes, two
heads
together, hand waving, moving toward a pier, erratic behavior, clinging to objects, neutral to
negative
buoyancy, inability to respond verbally
Characteristics of drowning victims - answer-An inability to call for help & a panicked facial
expression,
head back and body low into the water, arms extended out from the sides and moving up
and down
ineffectively in an attempt to keep the face above the water, little to no support from the
kick, an upright
(verticle) position facing the nearest source of assistance
Stages of drowning - answer-Initial Apnea, Dyspnea, Terminal Apnea, Cardiac Arrest
Initial Apnea - answer-The temporary loss of breathing, or holding of the breath. Glottis is
closed by
reflex. Water in mouth and throat cuts off the air to the lungs: Oxygen to the brain
decreases.
How long is Initial Apnea? - answer-0-3 minutes, excellent chance for normal survival
Dsypnea - answer-Difficult breathing, glottis being to partially relax. Body and head lower
into the water;
more water is swallowed. Water starts to fill the lungs, coughing and vomiting might occur.
Victims
become weaker from struggling and sinks lower into the water
How long is Dsypnea? - answer-60-90 seconds
Terminal Apnea - answer-Victim is unconscious and stops breathing. Water is persistent in
the lungs, lack
of oxygen to the brain may cause convulsions. Possible evacuation of the bladder and/or
bowels.
How long is Terminal Apnea? - answer-90 seconds- 3 minutes. Survival is likely but the
longer the time
period, the more probable it is that permanent neurological damage occurs.
Cardiac Arrest - answer-Heart ceases to function and pump blood. Eyes dilate and skin
turns blue.
