Red Cross Lifeguard Review Packet
Questions and Answers | Latest Version
| 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
Why is scanning the entire pool area important for lifeguards?
✔✔ It ensures no swimmer is in distress and prevents emergencies from going unnoticed.
What is the best way for a lifeguard to respond to a guest having difficulty breathing?
✔✔ Provide immediate assistance, monitor their airway, and call for emergency medical help.
Why should lifeguards rotate positions during their shift?
✔✔ To prevent fatigue and maintain a high level of alertness.
What should a lifeguard do if they see an unconscious swimmer floating in the pool?
✔✔ Enter the water immediately, remove the swimmer, and check for signs of breathing.
Why should lifeguards establish a safety plan before opening the pool?
✔✔ To ensure all staff members are prepared for emergencies and know their roles.
1
,What should a lifeguard do if a swimmer suddenly grabs onto them during a rescue?
✔✔ Use a front or rear escape technique to break free while keeping both individuals safe.
Why should lifeguards avoid unnecessary conversations while on duty?
✔✔ To stay focused on scanning and prevent distractions.
What should a lifeguard do if they suspect a guest has a head, neck, or spinal injury?
✔✔ Keep the guest as still as possible and use spinal immobilization techniques.
Why is it important for lifeguards to enforce pool rules consistently?
✔✔ It promotes safety and prevents accidents before they occur.
What should a lifeguard do if a swimmer appears to be hyperventilating?
✔✔ Encourage them to take slow, controlled breaths and monitor their condition.
Why is it important for lifeguards to know CPR and first aid?
✔✔ To provide lifesaving care in emergencies before medical personnel arrive.
2
,What should a lifeguard do if they see a person running on a wet pool deck?
✔✔ Warn them immediately and remind them of the risks of slipping and falling.
Why should lifeguards use a rescue tube during all water rescues?
✔✔ It provides flotation support for both the rescuer and the victim.
What should a lifeguard do if lightning is spotted near the pool area?
✔✔ Clear the pool immediately and direct guests to a safe indoor location.
Why should lifeguards practice quick and effective water entries?
✔✔ To reduce response time and reach distressed swimmers as fast as possible.
What should a lifeguard do if a guest faints near the pool?
✔✔ Check their breathing, call for emergency help, and place them in the recovery position if
necessary.
Why should lifeguards know the signs of a distressed swimmer?
✔✔ Early recognition can prevent a swimmer from becoming an active drowning victim.
3
, What should a lifeguard do if a swimmer reports ear pain after being underwater?
✔✔ Advise them to exit the water and seek medical attention if pain persists.
Why is teamwork important among lifeguards?
✔✔ It ensures a coordinated response during emergencies and improves overall safety.
What should a lifeguard do if they notice murky water in the pool?
✔✔ Report it to management and ensure water clarity is restored for safety.
Why should lifeguards avoid wearing headphones while on duty?
✔✔ It blocks out important sounds, such as distress calls or emergency whistles.
What should a lifeguard do if a child accidentally swallows pool water and starts coughing?
✔✔ Encourage them to take slow breaths and monitor them for signs of distress.
Why should lifeguards stay hydrated during their shift?
✔✔ To maintain energy, focus, and prevent heat-related illnesses.
4
Questions and Answers | Latest Version
| 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
Why is scanning the entire pool area important for lifeguards?
✔✔ It ensures no swimmer is in distress and prevents emergencies from going unnoticed.
What is the best way for a lifeguard to respond to a guest having difficulty breathing?
✔✔ Provide immediate assistance, monitor their airway, and call for emergency medical help.
Why should lifeguards rotate positions during their shift?
✔✔ To prevent fatigue and maintain a high level of alertness.
What should a lifeguard do if they see an unconscious swimmer floating in the pool?
✔✔ Enter the water immediately, remove the swimmer, and check for signs of breathing.
Why should lifeguards establish a safety plan before opening the pool?
✔✔ To ensure all staff members are prepared for emergencies and know their roles.
1
,What should a lifeguard do if a swimmer suddenly grabs onto them during a rescue?
✔✔ Use a front or rear escape technique to break free while keeping both individuals safe.
Why should lifeguards avoid unnecessary conversations while on duty?
✔✔ To stay focused on scanning and prevent distractions.
What should a lifeguard do if they suspect a guest has a head, neck, or spinal injury?
✔✔ Keep the guest as still as possible and use spinal immobilization techniques.
Why is it important for lifeguards to enforce pool rules consistently?
✔✔ It promotes safety and prevents accidents before they occur.
What should a lifeguard do if a swimmer appears to be hyperventilating?
✔✔ Encourage them to take slow, controlled breaths and monitor their condition.
Why is it important for lifeguards to know CPR and first aid?
✔✔ To provide lifesaving care in emergencies before medical personnel arrive.
2
,What should a lifeguard do if they see a person running on a wet pool deck?
✔✔ Warn them immediately and remind them of the risks of slipping and falling.
Why should lifeguards use a rescue tube during all water rescues?
✔✔ It provides flotation support for both the rescuer and the victim.
What should a lifeguard do if lightning is spotted near the pool area?
✔✔ Clear the pool immediately and direct guests to a safe indoor location.
Why should lifeguards practice quick and effective water entries?
✔✔ To reduce response time and reach distressed swimmers as fast as possible.
What should a lifeguard do if a guest faints near the pool?
✔✔ Check their breathing, call for emergency help, and place them in the recovery position if
necessary.
Why should lifeguards know the signs of a distressed swimmer?
✔✔ Early recognition can prevent a swimmer from becoming an active drowning victim.
3
, What should a lifeguard do if a swimmer reports ear pain after being underwater?
✔✔ Advise them to exit the water and seek medical attention if pain persists.
Why is teamwork important among lifeguards?
✔✔ It ensures a coordinated response during emergencies and improves overall safety.
What should a lifeguard do if they notice murky water in the pool?
✔✔ Report it to management and ensure water clarity is restored for safety.
Why should lifeguards avoid wearing headphones while on duty?
✔✔ It blocks out important sounds, such as distress calls or emergency whistles.
What should a lifeguard do if a child accidentally swallows pool water and starts coughing?
✔✔ Encourage them to take slow breaths and monitor them for signs of distress.
Why should lifeguards stay hydrated during their shift?
✔✔ To maintain energy, focus, and prevent heat-related illnesses.
4
