American Red Cross Lifeguard Manual
Chapter 1-11 Study Guide Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
Why is effective communication important among lifeguards?
✔✔ It ensures quick coordination and response to emergencies.
What should a lifeguard do if they witness a dangerous behavior in the water?
✔✔ Give a verbal warning and take action if necessary to prevent harm.
Why should lifeguards practice emergency drills regularly?
✔✔ To maintain readiness and improve response time in real-life emergencies.
What is the purpose of an emergency action plan (EAP)?
✔✔ To provide a structured response for handling emergencies efficiently.
Why is it important to conduct a scene size-up before providing care?
✔✔ To ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the victim before taking action.
1
,What should a lifeguard do after rescuing an unconscious victim from the water?
✔✔ Check for breathing and pulse before initiating appropriate care.
How can a lifeguard recognize a passive drowning victim?
✔✔ They are motionless, floating face down, or submerged in the water.
What should a lifeguard do if they encounter an unconscious child in shallow water?
✔✔ Remove them from the water, check for breathing, and start CPR if needed.
Why should lifeguards conduct regular facility checks?
✔✔ To identify and correct potential safety hazards.
What is the primary reason for using a backboard during a spinal injury rescue?
✔✔ To stabilize the victim and prevent further injury.
Why should lifeguards practice effective communication with patrons?
✔✔ To educate them on safety rules and prevent risky behavior.
2
,How can a lifeguard help a conscious but panicked swimmer?
✔✔ Approach them carefully, use a rescue tube, and provide reassurance.
What should a lifeguard do if a guest complains of dizziness and nausea after swimming?
✔✔ Move them to a shaded area, provide water, and monitor their condition.
Why is it important for lifeguards to participate in in-service training?
✔✔ To keep skills sharp and stay updated on the latest safety protocols.
What should a lifeguard do if they suspect a guest is experiencing heat stroke?
✔✔ Call for emergency medical assistance and cool the person down immediately.
Why should lifeguards stay familiar with their facility’s layout?
✔✔ To quickly locate emergency equipment and exits when needed.
How can a lifeguard prevent injuries from rough play in the water?
✔✔ Enforce safety rules and intervene when necessary.
3
, What should a lifeguard do if a guest has a seizure in the water?
✔✔ Support their head, keep their airway open, and remove them from the water safely.
Why should lifeguards stay updated on rescue techniques?
✔✔ To respond effectively to different types of water emergencies.
What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
✔✔ To ensure the safety of all patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies.
How often should a lifeguard scan their zone?
✔✔ Every few seconds to detect any signs of distress or emergencies.
Why is it important to maintain proper posture while on surveillance duty?
✔✔ It keeps the lifeguard alert and ready to respond immediately.
What should a lifeguard do if they notice a swimmer struggling but not yet submerged?
✔✔ Activate the emergency action plan and prepare for a rescue.
4
Chapter 1-11 Study Guide Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
Why is effective communication important among lifeguards?
✔✔ It ensures quick coordination and response to emergencies.
What should a lifeguard do if they witness a dangerous behavior in the water?
✔✔ Give a verbal warning and take action if necessary to prevent harm.
Why should lifeguards practice emergency drills regularly?
✔✔ To maintain readiness and improve response time in real-life emergencies.
What is the purpose of an emergency action plan (EAP)?
✔✔ To provide a structured response for handling emergencies efficiently.
Why is it important to conduct a scene size-up before providing care?
✔✔ To ensure the safety of both the rescuer and the victim before taking action.
1
,What should a lifeguard do after rescuing an unconscious victim from the water?
✔✔ Check for breathing and pulse before initiating appropriate care.
How can a lifeguard recognize a passive drowning victim?
✔✔ They are motionless, floating face down, or submerged in the water.
What should a lifeguard do if they encounter an unconscious child in shallow water?
✔✔ Remove them from the water, check for breathing, and start CPR if needed.
Why should lifeguards conduct regular facility checks?
✔✔ To identify and correct potential safety hazards.
What is the primary reason for using a backboard during a spinal injury rescue?
✔✔ To stabilize the victim and prevent further injury.
Why should lifeguards practice effective communication with patrons?
✔✔ To educate them on safety rules and prevent risky behavior.
2
,How can a lifeguard help a conscious but panicked swimmer?
✔✔ Approach them carefully, use a rescue tube, and provide reassurance.
What should a lifeguard do if a guest complains of dizziness and nausea after swimming?
✔✔ Move them to a shaded area, provide water, and monitor their condition.
Why is it important for lifeguards to participate in in-service training?
✔✔ To keep skills sharp and stay updated on the latest safety protocols.
What should a lifeguard do if they suspect a guest is experiencing heat stroke?
✔✔ Call for emergency medical assistance and cool the person down immediately.
Why should lifeguards stay familiar with their facility’s layout?
✔✔ To quickly locate emergency equipment and exits when needed.
How can a lifeguard prevent injuries from rough play in the water?
✔✔ Enforce safety rules and intervene when necessary.
3
, What should a lifeguard do if a guest has a seizure in the water?
✔✔ Support their head, keep their airway open, and remove them from the water safely.
Why should lifeguards stay updated on rescue techniques?
✔✔ To respond effectively to different types of water emergencies.
What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
✔✔ To ensure the safety of all patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies.
How often should a lifeguard scan their zone?
✔✔ Every few seconds to detect any signs of distress or emergencies.
Why is it important to maintain proper posture while on surveillance duty?
✔✔ It keeps the lifeguard alert and ready to respond immediately.
What should a lifeguard do if they notice a swimmer struggling but not yet submerged?
✔✔ Activate the emergency action plan and prepare for a rescue.
4
