Red Cross Lifeguarding Test — Actual Questions & Verified Answers | / Edition | 100 Questions Real Exam-Based Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Accuracy | Paramedic Program Admission Prep | Graded A+ Introduction This guide includes100 actual and verified multiple-choice questions with correct answers from the officialRed Cross Lifeguarding Test — / cycle. The material covers core lifeguarding skills such as water rescues, CPR/AED, first aid, surveillance, emergency protocols, and team response—fully aligned with the American Red Cross standards for accurate and confident certification preparation. Answer Format All correct answers are clearly marked inbold and greenfor efficient review and confident preparation.
Questions 1–100: Water Rescues, CPR/AED, First Aid,
Surveillance, Emergency Protocols, and Team Response 1. What is the primary role of a lifeguard? a) Enforce pool rules b) Ensure patron safety and prevent injuries c) Clean the aquatic facility 1 / 3
d) Conduct swim lessons b) Ensure patron safety and prevent injuries Rationale:A lifeguard’s primary role is to protect patrons by preventing drowning and injuries through vigilant surveillance, per the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual. 2. What does the acronym RID stand for in recognizing drowning? a) Response, Intervention, Decision b) Recognition, Intrusion, Distress c) Risk, Identification, Danger d) Rescue, Incident, Documentation b) Recognition, Intrusion, Distress Rationale:The RID factor (Recognition, Intrusion, Distress) helps lifeguards identify drowning behaviors and intervene promptly, per Red Cross guidelines.
3. A victim is floating face-down and unresponsive. This indicates:
a) A distressed swimmer b) An active victim c) A passive victim d) A recreational swimmer c) A passive victim Rationale:A passive victim is unresponsive, often face-down, and requires immediate rescue, per Red Cross protocols. 4. What is the first action a lifeguard should take when responding to an emergency? a) Perform a primary assessment b) Ensure scene safety c) Administer first aid d) Call for backup b) Ensure scene safety Rationale:Scene safety must be confirmed to protect the lifeguard and others before providing care, per Red Cross standards. 2 / 3
5. Which equipment is mandatory for a lifeguard to have on duty? a) A towel and sunscreen b) A rescue tube, gloves, and resuscitation mask c) A radio and clipboard d) A first aid kit and water bottle b) A rescue tube, gloves, and resuscitation mask Rationale:These items are essential for rescues and protection against pathogens, per Red Cross requirements. 6. What is the recommended compression depth for adult CPR? a) At least 1 inch b) At least 2 inches c) At least 3 inches d) At least 4 inches b) At least 2 inches Rationale:Compressions of at least 2 inches ensure effective circulation during adult CPR, per Red Cross guidelines. 7. If a competent adult refuses care, what should a lifeguard do? a) Provide care regardless b) Document the refusal and respect their decision c) Restrain the victim d) Call EMS without consent b) Document the refusal and respect their decision Rationale:Lifeguards must respect a competent adult’s refusal of care and document the incident, per Red Cross protocols. 8. What is the purpose of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)? a) To schedule lifeguard rotations b) To outline coordinated emergency responses c) To maintain pool water quality d) To train patrons in safety b) To outline coordinated emergency responses
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