American Red Cross Lifeguarding Final Written Exam

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

Which type of entry would you use if:

You are seated on an elevated lifeguard stand in the deep end during recreational swim and spot a passive-drowning victim. The area surrounding your station is clear of patrons and objects.

Compact Jump

Which type of entry would you use if:

You are searching your zone from an elevated station when

you spot a patron who appears to have a head injury as a result of diving in shallow water.

Slide In Entry

Which type of entry would you use if:

You spot an active drowning victim while searching your

zone from a ground-level station located in the middle of the pool where the water is 4' deep.

Slide In Entry

Which type of entry would you use if:

You are searching your new zone as you walk toward the

elevated lifeguard stand in the deep end before a rotation

and you spot an active drowning victim.

Stride Jump

Which type of entry would you use if:

You have just rotated to a roving station during open swim at a crowded waterfront and spot a swimmer in distress.

Slide In Entry

What are the two most common assists and when should each be used?

1) Simple Assist

2) Reaching Assist

You are approaching a victim who is vertical in the water, near the surface in 4 feet of water. The victim is facing you and appears to be unconscious.

Passive Victim Front Rescue

You are approaching a child who is facing away from you and struggling to keep

their head above water.

Active Victim Rear Rescue

You are approaching a victim from behind who appears to be unconscious.

Passive Victim Rear Rescue

A victim in the water is not breathing.

Always remove a victim who is not breathing from the water as soon as possible to provide care. However, if doing so will delay care, then perform in-water ventilations until you can remove the victim.

What are four core objectives in any rescue situation?

1) Ensure the safety of the victim, yourself and

others in the vicinity. This includes the entry,

approach, rescue, removal and care provided.

2) Use a rescue technique that is appropriate and

effective for the situation.

3) Provide an appropriate assessment, always

treating life-threatening conditions first.

4) Handle the rescue with a sense of urgency

Head, neck or spinal injuries often are caused by high-impact/high-risk activities. List three examples of high-impact/high-risk activities in an aquatic environment.

1) Receiving a blow to the head

2) Colliding with another swimmer

3) Entering head first into shallow water

Place the general rescue procedures for caring for a head, neck or spinal injury in

the water in order:

1) Activate the facility's EAP (may be specific for these types of injuries)

2) Safely enter the water

3) Perform a rescue providing manual in-line stabilization

4) Remove the victim from the water using the appropriate spinal backboard procedure

5) Check for responsiveness and breathing

6) Re-assess the victim's condition and provide appropriate care.

Fill in the blank. The ________________________ technique is used for performing manual in-line stabilization for victims in the water.

Head splint

Backboards are a standard piece of rescue equipment used at aquatic facilities for immobilizing and removing the victim from the water. Backboards work best when they are equipped with:

1) A chest strap to secure the victim to the board

2) A head-immobilizer device that can be attached to the top, or head-end, of the board

You enter the water to rescue a victim with a suspected spinal injury. You determine that the victim is not breathing. What should you do next?

Remove the victim from the water using the passive victim extrication technique

What are the appropriate rescue techniques for a victim with a suspected spinal injury?

- If the victim is in shallow water, you do not need to use a rescue tube to support yourself

- If the victim is submerged, you should not use the rescue tube when submerging and

bringing the victim to the surface

- If the victim is at the surface in deep water, you may need a rescue tube to support

yourself and the victim

When rescuing a victim of a suspected head, neck or spinal injury using the spinal

backboarding procedure, communication with the victim is important. What should

lifeguards tell the victim?

- Let the victim know what you are doing

- Reassure the victim along the way

- Tell the victim not to nod or shake their head but instead say "yes" or "no" to answer

questions.

Describe four ways that additional lifeguards can help during spinal backboarding and extrication from the water.

1) Helping to submerge, position, and stabilize the backboard on deck

2) Communicating with and reassuring the victim

3) Guiding the backboard as it is being removed from the water

4) Providing care after the victim has been removed from the water

Special considerations for spinal injuries at a facility with a beach or other zero-depth entry may include:

Injury from plunging during a running entry, in-line stabilization and extrication from extremely shallow water

How should lifeguards extricate a suspected spinal injury victim who is secured to a backboard from a zero-depth or sloping entry waterfront?

After reaching the zero-depth entry, the lifeguards slightly lift the head-end of the backboard, carefully pulling the backboard and victim out of the water. Gently lower the backboard and victim to the ground once out of water using proper lifting techniques to prevent injury