YMCA Lifeguarding Test Questions With
Solutions
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
, YMCA Lifeguarding Test Questions With
Solutions
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
Solutions
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
, YMCA Lifeguarding Test Questions With
Solutions
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
