Red Cross Lifeguarding Success Pack 2026 | Latest Update |
Exam Prep
1. If a lifeguard notices a competitive swimmer showing signs of distress during
practice, what should be their immediate course of action?
The lifeguard should assume the swimmer is just tired and not
intervene.
The lifeguard should wait for the coach to handle the situation.
The lifeguard should initiate emergency response protocols,
including assessing the swimmer's condition and preparing to
perform a rescue if necessary.
The lifeguard should instruct the swimmer to swim faster to avoid
distress.
2. What is the recommended technique for a lifeguard to assist a responsive
adult who is choking?
Give continuous back blows.
Give cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts.
Begin CPR.
Give continuous abdominal thrusts.
3. If a lifeguard encounters a situation where a swimmer has a dry chemical burn
and is also showing signs of shock, what should the lifeguard prioritize in
their response?
Apply a freezing compress to reduce swelling.
Ensure the swimmer is covered and stable while waiting for EMS.
Immediately rinse the burn with water to alleviate pain.
, Brush the chemical away to prevent further damage.
4. In a scenario where a lifeguard encounters a responsive 8-month-old with an
obstructed airway, what steps should they take after administering back
blows if the obstruction is not cleared?
Administer chest thrusts while continuing to monitor the infant's
responsiveness.
Immediately call for emergency medical services without further
action.
Perform abdominal thrusts as the next step.
Lay the infant flat on their back and begin CPR.
5. If a lifeguard observes a situation where patrons are engaging in horseplay
that could lead to injury, what is the most effective course of action?
Wait until the activity escalates before acting.
Intervene and explain the potential dangers of their actions.
Call for backup from another lifeguard.
Ignore the situation unless someone gets hurt.
6. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR
when performed by a single rescuer?
15 compressions to 2 ventilations
30 compressions to 1 ventilation
30 compressions to 2 ventilations
15 compressions to 1 ventilation
,7. If a lifeguard is performing CPR on an infant and is unsure about the
compression depth, what should they do?
Refer to established CPR guidelines for infants.
Increase the depth of compressions to 2 inches.
Stop CPR and call for additional help.
Continue compressions at a depth of 1 inch.
8. Describe the rationale behind giving ventilations to a passive drowning victim
before starting chest compressions.
Chest compressions are prioritized to restart the heart immediately.
Ventilations are given first to provide oxygen to the lungs since the
victim is in cardiac arrest due to drowning.
The recovery position is used to prevent choking.
Ventilations are unnecessary if the person has been rescued from
water.
9. A child approaches the lifeguard and explains that their grandmother isn't
feeling well. The grandmother, who says that she is feeling weak, sweaty and
shaky, explains that she has diabetes and takes insulin. What action should a
lifeguard take if the grandmother asks for sugar?
Give her diet soda.
Advise her not to take sugar because her blood sugar may be high
Assist her with administering her insulin.
Give her candy containing fructose or sucrose.
, 10. What is the primary purpose of activating the emergency action plan (EAP)
during a rescue?
To inform patrons of the pool
To alert other lifeguards/members of the safety team
To provide crowd control
To notify emergency services
11. Why is the slide-in entry preferred over other techniques in a crowded water
area when responding to a drowning incident?
The slide-in entry allows the lifeguard to jump directly into the water.
The slide-in entry is the only technique that can be used in shallow
water.
The slide-in entry minimizes disturbance and allows for a safer
approach to the victim.
The slide-in entry is faster than other techniques.
12. If a lifeguard is on duty and hears thunder while patrons are swimming, what
should they do if some patrons refuse to leave the water?
Ask patrons to stay in the shallow end until the storm passes.
Call for backup and continue monitoring the situation.
Insist that all patrons exit the water immediately for their safety.
Wait until the thunder stops before taking action.
13. Why is it important for a lifeguard to give candy containing fructose or
sucrose to someone with low blood sugar?
It is the only option available in emergencies.
Exam Prep
1. If a lifeguard notices a competitive swimmer showing signs of distress during
practice, what should be their immediate course of action?
The lifeguard should assume the swimmer is just tired and not
intervene.
The lifeguard should wait for the coach to handle the situation.
The lifeguard should initiate emergency response protocols,
including assessing the swimmer's condition and preparing to
perform a rescue if necessary.
The lifeguard should instruct the swimmer to swim faster to avoid
distress.
2. What is the recommended technique for a lifeguard to assist a responsive
adult who is choking?
Give continuous back blows.
Give cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts.
Begin CPR.
Give continuous abdominal thrusts.
3. If a lifeguard encounters a situation where a swimmer has a dry chemical burn
and is also showing signs of shock, what should the lifeguard prioritize in
their response?
Apply a freezing compress to reduce swelling.
Ensure the swimmer is covered and stable while waiting for EMS.
Immediately rinse the burn with water to alleviate pain.
, Brush the chemical away to prevent further damage.
4. In a scenario where a lifeguard encounters a responsive 8-month-old with an
obstructed airway, what steps should they take after administering back
blows if the obstruction is not cleared?
Administer chest thrusts while continuing to monitor the infant's
responsiveness.
Immediately call for emergency medical services without further
action.
Perform abdominal thrusts as the next step.
Lay the infant flat on their back and begin CPR.
5. If a lifeguard observes a situation where patrons are engaging in horseplay
that could lead to injury, what is the most effective course of action?
Wait until the activity escalates before acting.
Intervene and explain the potential dangers of their actions.
Call for backup from another lifeguard.
Ignore the situation unless someone gets hurt.
6. What is the recommended compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR
when performed by a single rescuer?
15 compressions to 2 ventilations
30 compressions to 1 ventilation
30 compressions to 2 ventilations
15 compressions to 1 ventilation
,7. If a lifeguard is performing CPR on an infant and is unsure about the
compression depth, what should they do?
Refer to established CPR guidelines for infants.
Increase the depth of compressions to 2 inches.
Stop CPR and call for additional help.
Continue compressions at a depth of 1 inch.
8. Describe the rationale behind giving ventilations to a passive drowning victim
before starting chest compressions.
Chest compressions are prioritized to restart the heart immediately.
Ventilations are given first to provide oxygen to the lungs since the
victim is in cardiac arrest due to drowning.
The recovery position is used to prevent choking.
Ventilations are unnecessary if the person has been rescued from
water.
9. A child approaches the lifeguard and explains that their grandmother isn't
feeling well. The grandmother, who says that she is feeling weak, sweaty and
shaky, explains that she has diabetes and takes insulin. What action should a
lifeguard take if the grandmother asks for sugar?
Give her diet soda.
Advise her not to take sugar because her blood sugar may be high
Assist her with administering her insulin.
Give her candy containing fructose or sucrose.
, 10. What is the primary purpose of activating the emergency action plan (EAP)
during a rescue?
To inform patrons of the pool
To alert other lifeguards/members of the safety team
To provide crowd control
To notify emergency services
11. Why is the slide-in entry preferred over other techniques in a crowded water
area when responding to a drowning incident?
The slide-in entry allows the lifeguard to jump directly into the water.
The slide-in entry is the only technique that can be used in shallow
water.
The slide-in entry minimizes disturbance and allows for a safer
approach to the victim.
The slide-in entry is faster than other techniques.
12. If a lifeguard is on duty and hears thunder while patrons are swimming, what
should they do if some patrons refuse to leave the water?
Ask patrons to stay in the shallow end until the storm passes.
Call for backup and continue monitoring the situation.
Insist that all patrons exit the water immediately for their safety.
Wait until the thunder stops before taking action.
13. Why is it important for a lifeguard to give candy containing fructose or
sucrose to someone with low blood sugar?
It is the only option available in emergencies.
