American Red Cross lifeguarding written Exam
Questions with verified correct detailed
answers latest update 2025
explain what it means to be equipped and rescue ready --- correct
answer ---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 --- correct answer ---PAGE 63
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 --- correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---most effective posistion for a
broad view. single lifeguard.
,ground level stations --- correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---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? --- correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---1 1/2 - 2 minutes
total coverage --- correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---the swimming area is divided into
zones, with one guard for each zone, they should overlap
, lifeguards should be actively ______ in their zones. why? --- correct
answer ---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? ---
correct answer ---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? ---
correct answer ---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. ---
correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---to test the effectiveness of their zones and
make any modifications as necessary
Questions with verified correct detailed
answers latest update 2025
explain what it means to be equipped and rescue ready --- correct
answer ---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 --- correct answer ---PAGE 63
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 --- correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---most effective posistion for a
broad view. single lifeguard.
,ground level stations --- correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---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? --- correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---1 1/2 - 2 minutes
total coverage --- correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---the swimming area is divided into
zones, with one guard for each zone, they should overlap
, lifeguards should be actively ______ in their zones. why? --- correct
answer ---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? ---
correct answer ---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? ---
correct answer ---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. ---
correct answer ---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 --- correct answer ---to test the effectiveness of their zones and
make any modifications as necessary
