Red Cross Lifeguard Test A Questions

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Red Cross Lifeguard Test A Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?

• Cleaning the pool deck

✔✔B. Watching swimmers and preventing emergencies

• Selling tickets at the entrance
• Organizing poolside activities

When should a lifeguard activate the Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?

• Only when a manager gives permission

✔✔B. When they see a swimmer struggling or an emergency occurring

• At the end of every shift
• When a guest complains about the water temperature

What is the most effective scanning technique for a lifeguard?

• Staring at one spot in the pool

✔✔B. Constantly moving their eyes and head to scan the entire zone 1 / 3

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• Watching only the deep end of the pool
• Scanning the pool once every five minutes

Which piece of equipment should a lifeguard always have while on duty?

• A whistle and sunscreen
• A first aid kit and a radio

✔✔C. A rescue tube and a hip pack with gloves and a mask

• A clipboard and a rulebook

What is the first step a lifeguard should take when they suspect a spinal injury in the water?

• Immediately remove the victim from the pool
• Tell bystanders to leave the area

✔✔C. Approach the victim and use the head-splint technique

• Wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive

Why is it important for lifeguards to enforce safety rules?

• To avoid legal liability

✔✔B. To prevent accidents and keep guests safe 2 / 3

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• To ensure the pool remains clean
• To make their job easier

What is the proper way to assist a conscious choking victim?

• Have them drink water to clear their airway

✔✔B. Perform abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled

• Encourage them to keep coughing and do nothing else
• Wait until they collapse before taking action

When performing CPR, how deep should chest compressions be for an adult?

• About 1 inch
• About 1.5 inches

✔✔C. About 2 inches

• About 3 inches

Which of the following is a sign of a distressed swimmer?

• They are floating on their back and breathing normally

✔✔B. They are swimming but struggling to keep their head above water

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