Red Cross Lifeguarding Exam (3 latest
versions) includes accurate and verified
questions covering water rescue skills,
CPR/AED for the professional rescuer, first
aid, spinal injury management, surveillance
strategies, and emergency action plans. This
What does the primary responsibility of a lifeguard
include?
A. conduct surveillance
B. administer swim tests
C. assist patrons with questions
D. ensure that resuscitation equipment is working
properly - . . ANSWER ✔ ✔a. conduct surveillance
In which scenario is a lifeguard demonstrating
characteristics of professional appearance while
conducting surveillance
a. using a mobile phone
b. socializing with patrons
c. assuming a relaxed posture
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d. wearing a lifeguard uniform properly - . . ANSWER ✔
✔d. wearing the lifeguard uniform properly
What immediate action should a lifeguard take when they
hear thunder in the distance?
a. clear patrons from the water
b. count the seconds between claps of thunder
c. monitor weather reports to watch for storms
d. allows patrons to remain in the water until lightning is
spotted - . . ANSWER ✔ ✔a. clear patrons from the water
A lifeguard is conducting surveillance from a ground-level
station. The water depth in their zone is 4 feet. A person at
the far end of their zone starts to display active drowning
behaviors. The water in front of their zone is crowded with
patrons.
Which entry should the lifeguard use in this situation?
a. stride jump
b. side-in entry
c. compact jump
d. run-and-swim entry - . . ANSWER ✔ ✔b. side-in entry
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A patron in the water is vertical, struggling to keep their
face above the water, has their arms extended to their
sides, is pressing down for support and is not making any
forward progress in the water.
Which situation do these behaviors describe?
a. distressed swimmer
b. active drowning person
c. passive drowning person
d. person with potential spinal injury - . . ANSWER ✔ ✔b.
active drowning person
Which behavior does a passive drowning person exhibit?
a. may be clinging to the line for support
b. struggles at the surface of the water
c. has defined arm and leg movements leading to
purposeful movement
d. appears unresponsive in the water at the surface,
sinking, or on the bottom - . . ANSWER ✔ ✔d. appears
unresponsive in the water at the surface, sinking, or on the
bottom
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How often should a lifeguard complete a scan of their
entire zone?
a. every 15 seconds
b. every 30 seconds
c. every 45 seconds
d. every 90 seconds - . . ANSWER ✔ ✔b. every 30 seconds
Which action indicates that a lifeguard is using an effective
scanning technique?
a. sits still to prevent to much distracting body movement
b. mentally rehearses how to perform a rescue to help stay
alert and prepared
c. moves their head and eyes and looks directly at each
patron in the zone
d. focuses most of their attention on high-risk patrons,
occasionally glancing at other patrons - . . ANSWER ✔ ✔c.
moves their head and eyes and looks directly at each
patron in the zone
Sun glare on the water surface is making it difficult for a
lifeguard to see patrons on one side of their surveillance
area. The lifeguard stands up and attempts to look around
and through the glare without success.