Lifeguard Test: Red Cross
2026/2027 Edition | 100 Questions
Real Exam-Based Questions & Verified Answers with 100% Accuracy
Paramedic Program Admission Prep | Graded A+
Q1: During a primary assessment, you find an unresponsive adult who is not breathing
and has no pulse. What is the first action you should take in the CAB sequence?
A. Open the airway and give 2 rescue breaths.
B. Begin chest compressions. [CORRECT]
C. Check for severe bleeding.
D. Apply the AED pads.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the CAB (Compressions, Airway, Breathing) sequence dictates that
chest compressions are initiated immediately to restore blood flow to the brain and vital organs.
Delays to open the airway or apply an AED should only occur after the first set of 30
compressions.
Q2: Which of the following is the proper method for removing disposable gloves after
providing first aid?
A. Pull the glove off the left hand, then use the bare left hand to pull off the right glove.
B. Grasp the outside of the right glove with the gloved left hand, peel it off, then
slide a bare finger under the left glove to peel it inside out. [CORRECT]
C. Spray the gloves with a disinfectant and pull them off simultaneously.
D. Cut the gloves off with trauma shears to avoid touching the contaminated surface.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because this technique, known as glove-in-glove removal, ensures that the
contaminated exterior of the gloves never touches the lifeguard's bare skin. This is a critical
standard precaution to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
,Q3: You are on duty and need to enter the water to perform a rapid rescue of a conscious
victim in the deep end. The water depth is 10 feet. Which entry is most appropriate?
A. Slide-in entry
B. Compact jump
C. Stride jump [CORRECT]
D. Run-and-swim entry
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the stride jump allows the lifeguard to enter the water quickly while
keeping the head above water to continuously monitor the victim's position. It is the preferred
entry for deep-water rescues where the bottom is visible and deeper than 5 feet.
Q4: A patron suffers a severe laceration on their leg while running on the pool deck. You
apply direct pressure and a pressure bandage, but blood continues to saturate the
bandage. What should you do next?
A. Remove the soaked bandage and apply a tourniquet.
B. Apply a second pressure bandage tightly over the first one. [CORRECT]
C. Elevate the leg above the heart and remove the bandage to assess the wound.
D. Apply a tourniquet immediately between the wound and the heart.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because removing the initial bandage can disrupt any blood clots that are
attempting to form. Applying additional sterile dressings and direct pressure over the existing
bandage is the correct protocol for managing heavy external bleeding.
Q5: What is the primary purpose of the secondary assessment?
A. To determine if the victim is breathing and has a pulse.
,B. To identify and care for conditions that are not immediately life-threatening.
[CORRECT]
C. To activate the Emergency Action Plan.
D. To perform CPR.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the primary assessment focuses on immediate life threats (CAB),
whereas the secondary assessment is performed on a stable, conscious victim to gather a
medical history (SAMPLE) and check for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
Q6: [CPR/AED Protocol Question] What are the correct compression rate and depth for
an adult during CPR?
A. Rate of 60 to 80 per minute, depth of at least 1 inch
B. Rate of 100 to 120 per minute, depth of at least 2 inches [CORRECT]
C. Rate of 80 to 100 per minute, depth of at least 1.5 inches
D. Rate of 100 to 120 per minute, depth of at least 3 inches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the American Red Cross and AHA guidelines mandate a
compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and a minimum depth of 2 inches for
adults. This specific combination optimizes coronary perfusion pressure and blood flow during
cardiac arrest.
Q7: While scanning your zone, you momentarily look down to adjust your sunglasses.
When you look back up, you cannot immediately locate a patron you were watching.
Which component of the RID factor does this represent?
A. Recognition
B. Intrusion
C. Distraction [CORRECT]
D. Delegation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the RID factor stands for Recognition, Intrusion, and Distraction.
Looking away from the zone for any reason, even briefly, constitutes a distraction, which is a
primary cause of missed drowning victims.
, Q8: When approaching a distressed swimmer from the front, how should you position
the rescue tube?
A. Hold it vertically between you and the victim.
B. Hold it horizontally across your chest to use as a barrier. [CORRECT]
C. Push it toward the victim before you reach them.
D. Place it under your armpits for buoyancy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because holding the rescue tube horizontally across your chest creates a
physical barrier that prevents a panicked distressed swimmer from grabbing you directly. This
allows you to maintain control of the situation while instructing the victim to grab the tube.
Q9: Which of the following is a secondary responsibility of a lifeguard?
A. Scanning the assigned zone for distressed swimmers
B. Performing a deep-water rescue
C. Testing the pool water pH and chlorine levels [CORRECT]
D. Providing CPR to an unresponsive patron
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because testing water chemistry is a secondary responsibility that supports
facility operations but must never interfere with the primary responsibility of surveillance.
Rescues, CPR, and scanning are all primary duties directly related to patron safety.
Q10: A patron in the facility suddenly collapses and begins having a seizure. What is the
most appropriate action?
A. Hold the patron's head underwater to prevent them from biting their tongue.
B. Clear the area of hard objects and protect the patron's head, but do not restrain
them. [CORRECT]
C. Immediately place a spoon or wallet between their teeth.
D. Try to pick them up and carry them to the first aid room.
Correct Answer: B
2026/2027 Edition | 100 Questions
Real Exam-Based Questions & Verified Answers with 100% Accuracy
Paramedic Program Admission Prep | Graded A+
Q1: During a primary assessment, you find an unresponsive adult who is not breathing
and has no pulse. What is the first action you should take in the CAB sequence?
A. Open the airway and give 2 rescue breaths.
B. Begin chest compressions. [CORRECT]
C. Check for severe bleeding.
D. Apply the AED pads.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the CAB (Compressions, Airway, Breathing) sequence dictates that
chest compressions are initiated immediately to restore blood flow to the brain and vital organs.
Delays to open the airway or apply an AED should only occur after the first set of 30
compressions.
Q2: Which of the following is the proper method for removing disposable gloves after
providing first aid?
A. Pull the glove off the left hand, then use the bare left hand to pull off the right glove.
B. Grasp the outside of the right glove with the gloved left hand, peel it off, then
slide a bare finger under the left glove to peel it inside out. [CORRECT]
C. Spray the gloves with a disinfectant and pull them off simultaneously.
D. Cut the gloves off with trauma shears to avoid touching the contaminated surface.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because this technique, known as glove-in-glove removal, ensures that the
contaminated exterior of the gloves never touches the lifeguard's bare skin. This is a critical
standard precaution to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
,Q3: You are on duty and need to enter the water to perform a rapid rescue of a conscious
victim in the deep end. The water depth is 10 feet. Which entry is most appropriate?
A. Slide-in entry
B. Compact jump
C. Stride jump [CORRECT]
D. Run-and-swim entry
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the stride jump allows the lifeguard to enter the water quickly while
keeping the head above water to continuously monitor the victim's position. It is the preferred
entry for deep-water rescues where the bottom is visible and deeper than 5 feet.
Q4: A patron suffers a severe laceration on their leg while running on the pool deck. You
apply direct pressure and a pressure bandage, but blood continues to saturate the
bandage. What should you do next?
A. Remove the soaked bandage and apply a tourniquet.
B. Apply a second pressure bandage tightly over the first one. [CORRECT]
C. Elevate the leg above the heart and remove the bandage to assess the wound.
D. Apply a tourniquet immediately between the wound and the heart.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because removing the initial bandage can disrupt any blood clots that are
attempting to form. Applying additional sterile dressings and direct pressure over the existing
bandage is the correct protocol for managing heavy external bleeding.
Q5: What is the primary purpose of the secondary assessment?
A. To determine if the victim is breathing and has a pulse.
,B. To identify and care for conditions that are not immediately life-threatening.
[CORRECT]
C. To activate the Emergency Action Plan.
D. To perform CPR.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the primary assessment focuses on immediate life threats (CAB),
whereas the secondary assessment is performed on a stable, conscious victim to gather a
medical history (SAMPLE) and check for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
Q6: [CPR/AED Protocol Question] What are the correct compression rate and depth for
an adult during CPR?
A. Rate of 60 to 80 per minute, depth of at least 1 inch
B. Rate of 100 to 120 per minute, depth of at least 2 inches [CORRECT]
C. Rate of 80 to 100 per minute, depth of at least 1.5 inches
D. Rate of 100 to 120 per minute, depth of at least 3 inches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the American Red Cross and AHA guidelines mandate a
compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and a minimum depth of 2 inches for
adults. This specific combination optimizes coronary perfusion pressure and blood flow during
cardiac arrest.
Q7: While scanning your zone, you momentarily look down to adjust your sunglasses.
When you look back up, you cannot immediately locate a patron you were watching.
Which component of the RID factor does this represent?
A. Recognition
B. Intrusion
C. Distraction [CORRECT]
D. Delegation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the RID factor stands for Recognition, Intrusion, and Distraction.
Looking away from the zone for any reason, even briefly, constitutes a distraction, which is a
primary cause of missed drowning victims.
, Q8: When approaching a distressed swimmer from the front, how should you position
the rescue tube?
A. Hold it vertically between you and the victim.
B. Hold it horizontally across your chest to use as a barrier. [CORRECT]
C. Push it toward the victim before you reach them.
D. Place it under your armpits for buoyancy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because holding the rescue tube horizontally across your chest creates a
physical barrier that prevents a panicked distressed swimmer from grabbing you directly. This
allows you to maintain control of the situation while instructing the victim to grab the tube.
Q9: Which of the following is a secondary responsibility of a lifeguard?
A. Scanning the assigned zone for distressed swimmers
B. Performing a deep-water rescue
C. Testing the pool water pH and chlorine levels [CORRECT]
D. Providing CPR to an unresponsive patron
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because testing water chemistry is a secondary responsibility that supports
facility operations but must never interfere with the primary responsibility of surveillance.
Rescues, CPR, and scanning are all primary duties directly related to patron safety.
Q10: A patron in the facility suddenly collapses and begins having a seizure. What is the
most appropriate action?
A. Hold the patron's head underwater to prevent them from biting their tongue.
B. Clear the area of hard objects and protect the patron's head, but do not restrain
them. [CORRECT]
C. Immediately place a spoon or wallet between their teeth.
D. Try to pick them up and carry them to the first aid room.
Correct Answer: B
