LIFEGUARD TEST RED CROSS 2026 REVISION
NOTES AND STRUCTURED AQUATIC SAFETY
OVERVIEW GUIDE
◉ How long does it take for brain damage, or even death, to occur
once a victim is drowning? Answer: 4-6 minutes
◉ How long does it take for cardiac arrest to occur once a victim is
drowning? Answer: 3 minutes
◉ How long does you lifeguard certification last? Answer: 2 years
◉ When asking for consent, state the following... Answer: your
name, your skill level, ask permission to aide, explain what you think
is wrong, explain your care and plan
◉ What are some secondary responsibilities of a lifeguard? Answer:
testing chemicals, assisting patrons with safety equipment,
performing opening/closing duties, cleaning the facility and
completing reports/records
◉ What are some primary responsibilities of a lifeguard? Answer:
monitor activities in facility, prevent injuries, enforcing rules,
,recognizing and responding quickly to an emergency, administering
CPR and giving care and working as a team
◉ What are the characteristics of a professional lifeguard? Answer:
knowledgeable/skilled, reliable, mature, courteous/consistent,
positive, professional and health/fit
◉ What are some common pool rules? Answer: 1. swim when there
is a lifeguard on duty
2. swim diapers are worn if needed
3. don't swim with an open/infected wound
4. obey lifeguard instructions
5. no breath holding games (hyperventilation)
6. no sitting/playing by drains
7. dive in specific areas
8. no glass
9. no drugs or alcoholic beverages.
◉ What equipment should be easily reached at a facility? Answer:
AED
first aid
rescue boards (backboards)
hip packs
, rescue tubes
◉ What is apart of PPE? Answer: -mask
-gloves
-gowns
-shields
-protective eyewear
◉ What equipment should a lifeguard carry and why? Answer:
Tube-capable of keeping multi victims afloat
Hip pack- holds PPE
Whistle- used to activate the EAP
◉ How long should it take a lifeguard to notice and get prepared for
an emergency? Answer: less than 30 seconds
◉ What is a laryngospasm? Answer: a SUDDEN closure of the larynx
◉ What is hyperventilation? Answer: breathing faster than normal
◉ What is a lifeguards primary responsibility? Answer: to ensure
safety and protect lives
NOTES AND STRUCTURED AQUATIC SAFETY
OVERVIEW GUIDE
◉ How long does it take for brain damage, or even death, to occur
once a victim is drowning? Answer: 4-6 minutes
◉ How long does it take for cardiac arrest to occur once a victim is
drowning? Answer: 3 minutes
◉ How long does you lifeguard certification last? Answer: 2 years
◉ When asking for consent, state the following... Answer: your
name, your skill level, ask permission to aide, explain what you think
is wrong, explain your care and plan
◉ What are some secondary responsibilities of a lifeguard? Answer:
testing chemicals, assisting patrons with safety equipment,
performing opening/closing duties, cleaning the facility and
completing reports/records
◉ What are some primary responsibilities of a lifeguard? Answer:
monitor activities in facility, prevent injuries, enforcing rules,
,recognizing and responding quickly to an emergency, administering
CPR and giving care and working as a team
◉ What are the characteristics of a professional lifeguard? Answer:
knowledgeable/skilled, reliable, mature, courteous/consistent,
positive, professional and health/fit
◉ What are some common pool rules? Answer: 1. swim when there
is a lifeguard on duty
2. swim diapers are worn if needed
3. don't swim with an open/infected wound
4. obey lifeguard instructions
5. no breath holding games (hyperventilation)
6. no sitting/playing by drains
7. dive in specific areas
8. no glass
9. no drugs or alcoholic beverages.
◉ What equipment should be easily reached at a facility? Answer:
AED
first aid
rescue boards (backboards)
hip packs
, rescue tubes
◉ What is apart of PPE? Answer: -mask
-gloves
-gowns
-shields
-protective eyewear
◉ What equipment should a lifeguard carry and why? Answer:
Tube-capable of keeping multi victims afloat
Hip pack- holds PPE
Whistle- used to activate the EAP
◉ How long should it take a lifeguard to notice and get prepared for
an emergency? Answer: less than 30 seconds
◉ What is a laryngospasm? Answer: a SUDDEN closure of the larynx
◉ What is hyperventilation? Answer: breathing faster than normal
◉ What is a lifeguards primary responsibility? Answer: to ensure
safety and protect lives
