American Red Cross Lifeguarding Final

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American Red Cross Lifeguarding Final Written Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

What should a lifeguard do if a conscious choking victim cannot cough, speak, or breathe?

• Encourage them to drink water
• Give rescue breaths immediately

✔✔C. Perform abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged

• Wait for EMS to arrive before taking action

When scanning a crowded pool, a lifeguard should use which technique to ensure thorough coverage?

• Randomly look around the pool area

✔✔B. Move eyes in a systematic pattern to scan all zones effectively

• Focus only on children in the water
• Wait until movement is noticed before scanning

Why is it important for lifeguards to use the RID factor when monitoring patrons? 1 / 4

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• To recognize swimmers who need sunscreen

✔✔B. To prevent Recognition, Intrusion, and Distraction from causing drownings

• To provide rapid identification of pool maintenance issues
• To evaluate the pool’s water chemistry

How often should lifeguards practice emergency action plan (EAP) drills?

• Once a year
• Every six months

✔✔C. Regularly to maintain readiness

• Only after an incident occurs

Which of the following is a sign that a swimmer may be in distress?

• Moving arms and legs forcefully

✔✔B. Vertical position in the water with little or no forward movement

• Smiling and waving at the lifeguard
• Floating on their back with relaxed breathing

What is the correct way to remove a spinal injury victim from the water? 2 / 4

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✔✔A. Using a backboard and stabilizing the head and neck

• Dragging them out of the water by their arms
• Placing a flotation device under their back and pulling them to shore
• Instructing them to swim to the edge if they can move

What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?

• Enforcing facility rules
• Testing pool chemicals

✔✔C. Preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies

• Selling pool passes to patrons

When performing CPR on an adult, what is the correct compression depth?

• 1 inch
• 2 inches

✔✔C. At least 2 inches

• 3 to 4 inches

How can a lifeguard best prevent injuries at a water park? 3 / 4

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• Watching only high-risk areas

✔✔B. Enforcing rules, scanning all areas, and providing clear instructions

• Waiting for guests to ask for help before intervening
• Focusing on one group of people at a time

When should a lifeguard enter the water to make a rescue?

• When they hear a loud splash
• Only if another lifeguard signals them

✔✔C. As soon as a person shows signs of drowning or distress

• After confirming with the facility manager

What is the purpose of a secondary assessment in first aid?

• Identifying and treating life-threatening conditions

✔✔B. Checking for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses

• Performing CPR immediately
• Moving the victim to a different location before assessing them

What should a lifeguard do if a guest collapses and is not breathing?

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