YMCA Lifeguarding Test

What does the acronym PACA mean, and stand for?

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?

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?

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?

Be firm, fair, and tactful

What are the safety check systems?

Roll call, buddy system, safety swim/band test, swim breaks, tag board, and multilevel safety approach

How many drownings a year are there?

Roughly 3,600

What is the ratio for drowning children 14 and younger?

1:4

How long does it take for a person to slip under the surface?

It takes 20-60 seconds

How long does it take an adult to struggle to stay above water?

60 seconds

When can a child perhaps fall below the surface of the water?

20 seconds

What is drowning?

It is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid

What is a distressed swimmer?

Someone who is struggling to stay above the water

Early warning signs of drowning

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

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

Initial Apnea, Dyspnea, Terminal Apnea, Cardiac Arrest

Initial Apnea

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?

0-3 minutes, excellent chance for normal survival

Dsypnea

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?

60-90 seconds

Terminal Apnea

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?

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

Heart ceases to function and pump blood. Eyes dilate and skin turns blue. Without CPR, lack of oxygen will cause irreversible brain damage

How long is cardiac arrest?

after 5 minutes, normal recovery is unlikely unless water temperature is below 70 degrees

Different Types of Emergencies

Medical, water, missing persons, environmental (weather), chemical, mechanical, facility, extreme violence

What are the types of Water Exits?

Supporting assist, One-person drag, Two-person carry, One-or two person lift, ladder exit

What is the acronym DOTS used for and what does it mean

What to look for, deformities, open injuries, tenderness, and swelling

What does the acronym SAMPLE do?

Used to ask about, signs & symptoms, allergies, medications, past medical issues, last oral intake, events leading to the problem

What is the checklist for Crisis Management?

Be prepared, maintain order, notify the chain of command, protect your facility, return t your post, learn from experiences, and seek help when coping with trama

What does the Good Samaritan law do?

It provides protection from legal liability to a trained person, actin gin good faith while off duty, to provide emergency medical assistance at the scene of an accident or emergency

Common causes of accidents at Waterparks

Unsafe design, facility operations, poor supervision, patron behavior, poor communication by management

What is lifeguard lung, and what is it caused by?

Its a respiratory illness associated with indoor water parks and spas, and its from poorly disinfected water

When guarding a water park, what degree of coverage should you and all your lifeguards have?

360 with no blind spots

When guarding a waterfront, your facility should have:

A better communication system (2 way radios), paddle boards, mask, snorkel, skin-diving vest, and a weight belt, boats, and vehicles.

What are the rules for Beach Patrons?

Swim near a lifeguard, learn to swim, never swim alone, swim sober, leash your board, do not float where you can't swim, wear a life jacket in the boat, protect your neck- don't dive head first

What should you do if you suspect a missing person?

activate the EAP, alert all staff immediately, clear the swim area, begin a search in the water. Lifeguards 2 & 3, ask the reporting party for a description, if no one saw him/her make an announcement, have lifeguards look in designated areas, depending on staff call his/her home

What should be on the announcement for a missing person?

The name, description, last location of missing swimmer, tell patrons if they know anymore to report the infomation

What are the two types of water searches?

Shallow water, and deep water

What are the type of search patterns?

circular pattern, grid pattern, parallel pattern, and diagonal pattern

When would you call DAN, the Divers Alert Network?

Whenever there is an emergency in open waters

What does the acronym CARE stand for?

Cognizance, assessment, rescue, and evacuation

Situations that can lead to a diver drowning:

Lack of ability, being over weighted, lack of physical fitness, malfunctioning gear, a lost buddy, a frightening occurrence, injury, cramps, enlightenment, cold water, ear problems], running out of air, decompression sickness

Sources of weather information:

Weather radio, national weather services website, and lightening detectors

What are dangerous weather conditions?

Lightening and thundering, high winds, tornadoes and waterspouts, fog, and fair weather

What are the steps in taking precautions for a tornado?

A watch, a warning, and the alarm

When in a RIP current how do you swim?

Parallel

What are lifeguards held responsible for during safety inspections?

Inspecting drains, inlet covers, and other hardware

The pool drains cannot be:

Broken, bow in, and cannot have lost bolts or screws

What is the recommended pH level for a pool?

7.2 to 7.5

What is the recommended chlorine level for a pool?

2.0 to 3.0

Why is it important to change zones?

Vigilance, prevents boredom, keeps you alert and revitalized

When working with a conscious person outside the water how do you assist them?

A possible ladder exit, or a supporting assist

Who is most likely to be injured with a spinal?

A male between 18-31 years old, 175 pounds, and 6 foot tall

What is the first step when enforcing rules?

Making sure there are signs, and good communication

When being a lifeguard how often do you have to renew your CPR

Every year

When being a lifeguard how often do you have to renew your first aid

Every 2 years

When being a lifeguard how often do you have to renew your emergency oxygen?

Every 2 years

When being a lifeguard how often do you have to renew your lifeguard certification

Every 2 years as long as you renewed your CPR

When dealing with a Spinal where does the victims head go?

Upstream

When dealing with a problem what is lifeguard ones duty?

Activate EAP, begin rescue

When dealing with a problem what is lifeguard twos duty?

Clears pool, takes over scanning

When dealing with a problem what is lifeguard threes duty?

Call 911, help EMS

What are several non-swimmer guidelines?

Establish a firm base for rescue

What are the steps in the Safe In Six?

Prevent, Recognize, Activate, Rescue, Care, Report