YMCA Lifeguarding Test Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
What does the acronym PACA mean, and stand for? - Correct Answer -It
represents the 4 steps in the decision-making process. The problem of the situation,
the alternatives, the consequences of the alternatives, and the final action or
decision
What is the Q-1-2 system? - Correct Answer -First asking a question, then a
warning, then taking a break. (ask to leave the pool)
What does the Q-1-2 system do for a lifeguard? - Correct Answer -Helps become
consistent and fair, reduces stress and emotion of enforcing the rules, allows to be
focused on your designated area.
When enforcing the rules, what should you keep in mind? - Correct Answer -Be
firm, fair, and tactful
What are the safety check systems? - Correct Answer -Roll call, buddy system,
safety swim/band test, swim breaks, tag board, and multilevel safety approach
How many drownings a year are there? - Correct Answer -Roughly 3,600
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, What is the ratio for drowning children 14 and younger? - Correct Answer -1:4
How long does it take for a person to slip under the surface? - Correct Answer -It
takes 20-60 seconds
How long does it take an adult to struggle to stay above water? - Correct Answer -
60 seconds
When can a child perhaps fall below the surface of the water? - Correct Answer -20
seconds
What is drowning? - Correct Answer -It is the process of experiencing respiratory
impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid
What is a distressed swimmer? - Correct Answer -Someone who is struggling to
stay above the water
Early warning signs of drowning - Correct Answer -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 - Correct Answer -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 up and down ineffectively in an attempt to
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
Questions and Answers
What does the acronym PACA mean, and stand for? - Correct Answer -It
represents the 4 steps in the decision-making process. The problem of the situation,
the alternatives, the consequences of the alternatives, and the final action or
decision
What is the Q-1-2 system? - Correct Answer -First asking a question, then a
warning, then taking a break. (ask to leave the pool)
What does the Q-1-2 system do for a lifeguard? - Correct Answer -Helps become
consistent and fair, reduces stress and emotion of enforcing the rules, allows to be
focused on your designated area.
When enforcing the rules, what should you keep in mind? - Correct Answer -Be
firm, fair, and tactful
What are the safety check systems? - Correct Answer -Roll call, buddy system,
safety swim/band test, swim breaks, tag board, and multilevel safety approach
How many drownings a year are there? - Correct Answer -Roughly 3,600
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, What is the ratio for drowning children 14 and younger? - Correct Answer -1:4
How long does it take for a person to slip under the surface? - Correct Answer -It
takes 20-60 seconds
How long does it take an adult to struggle to stay above water? - Correct Answer -
60 seconds
When can a child perhaps fall below the surface of the water? - Correct Answer -20
seconds
What is drowning? - Correct Answer -It is the process of experiencing respiratory
impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid
What is a distressed swimmer? - Correct Answer -Someone who is struggling to
stay above the water
Early warning signs of drowning - Correct Answer -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 - Correct Answer -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 up and down ineffectively in an attempt to
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
