American Red Cross Lifeguard Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
a) Cleaning the pool deck
b) Completing reports
c) Preventing and responding to emergencies
d) Enforcing facility rules
The main duty of a lifeguard is to prevent drownings and injuries,
and respond quickly in emergencies.
2. What is the most effective surveillance technique for lifeguards?
a) Casual scanning
b) Active scanning
c) Relying on patrons to report emergencies
d) Watching only the deep end
, Active scanning ensures continuous attention to swimmers and
hazards.
3. How often should a lifeguard change body position to avoid fatigue?
a) Every 2 hours
b) Every 20–30 minutes
c) Once per shift
d) Every 60 minutes
Frequent changes help maintain alertness and prevent inattention.
4. What is the lifeguard’s duty when enforcing rules?
a) Ignore minor violations
b) Educate and enforce consistently
c) Punish violators harshly
d) Only warn children
Consistent and educational enforcement maintains safety and
fairness.
5. What does the RID factor stand for in drowning recognition?
a) Rest, Identify, Determine
b) Recognize, Interpret, Direct
c) Recognition, Intrusion, Distraction
d) Respond, Initiate, Deliver
RID identifies reasons lifeguards miss drownings: failure to recognize,
secondary duties intrusion, distractions.
,6. Which victim profile is most common in drowning?
a) A child waving for help
b) A silent, motionless victim
c) A victim yelling loudly
d) A victim swimming underwater playfully
Drowning is often silent; victims cannot call for help.
7. Which scanning pattern is most effective?
a) Only looking at the surface
b) Watching one group of swimmers
c) Systematic scanning of entire zone
d) Random glances
Systematic scanning ensures no area is neglected.
8. What is the emergency action plan (EAP)?
a) A list of pool rules
b) A written plan for emergencies
c) A cleaning schedule
d) An evacuation map only
An EAP outlines steps for staff during emergencies to ensure
coordinated response.
9. When should a lifeguard use rescue equipment?
a) Only if trained medical personnel arrive
b) Never, rely only on swimming ability
c) Immediately when needed in a rescue
, d) Only during drills
Rescue equipment extends reach, improves safety, and must be used
quickly.
10. Which rescue tube position is correct during patron
surveillance?
a) Lying on the deck
b) Under the chair
c) Across the lap and ready
d) Stored in the office
The tube must always be ready for immediate use.
11. What is the first step when approaching a responsive, conscious
victim on land?
a) Begin CPR immediately
b) Obtain consent
c) Call 911 without checking
d) Apply AED
You must get consent before providing care, unless the victim is
unconscious.
12. What should you do if a patron refuses care?
a) Force care on them
b) Respect refusal but call EMS if necessary
c) Ignore the situation
d) Remove them from the facility
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
a) Cleaning the pool deck
b) Completing reports
c) Preventing and responding to emergencies
d) Enforcing facility rules
The main duty of a lifeguard is to prevent drownings and injuries,
and respond quickly in emergencies.
2. What is the most effective surveillance technique for lifeguards?
a) Casual scanning
b) Active scanning
c) Relying on patrons to report emergencies
d) Watching only the deep end
, Active scanning ensures continuous attention to swimmers and
hazards.
3. How often should a lifeguard change body position to avoid fatigue?
a) Every 2 hours
b) Every 20–30 minutes
c) Once per shift
d) Every 60 minutes
Frequent changes help maintain alertness and prevent inattention.
4. What is the lifeguard’s duty when enforcing rules?
a) Ignore minor violations
b) Educate and enforce consistently
c) Punish violators harshly
d) Only warn children
Consistent and educational enforcement maintains safety and
fairness.
5. What does the RID factor stand for in drowning recognition?
a) Rest, Identify, Determine
b) Recognize, Interpret, Direct
c) Recognition, Intrusion, Distraction
d) Respond, Initiate, Deliver
RID identifies reasons lifeguards miss drownings: failure to recognize,
secondary duties intrusion, distractions.
,6. Which victim profile is most common in drowning?
a) A child waving for help
b) A silent, motionless victim
c) A victim yelling loudly
d) A victim swimming underwater playfully
Drowning is often silent; victims cannot call for help.
7. Which scanning pattern is most effective?
a) Only looking at the surface
b) Watching one group of swimmers
c) Systematic scanning of entire zone
d) Random glances
Systematic scanning ensures no area is neglected.
8. What is the emergency action plan (EAP)?
a) A list of pool rules
b) A written plan for emergencies
c) A cleaning schedule
d) An evacuation map only
An EAP outlines steps for staff during emergencies to ensure
coordinated response.
9. When should a lifeguard use rescue equipment?
a) Only if trained medical personnel arrive
b) Never, rely only on swimming ability
c) Immediately when needed in a rescue
, d) Only during drills
Rescue equipment extends reach, improves safety, and must be used
quickly.
10. Which rescue tube position is correct during patron
surveillance?
a) Lying on the deck
b) Under the chair
c) Across the lap and ready
d) Stored in the office
The tube must always be ready for immediate use.
11. What is the first step when approaching a responsive, conscious
victim on land?
a) Begin CPR immediately
b) Obtain consent
c) Call 911 without checking
d) Apply AED
You must get consent before providing care, unless the victim is
unconscious.
12. What should you do if a patron refuses care?
a) Force care on them
b) Respect refusal but call EMS if necessary
c) Ignore the situation
d) Remove them from the facility
