Written Lifeguarding Practice Test

If a lifeguard witnesses underage drinking at a pool, what actions should be taken?

1. Ignore it, as it does not affect swimming

2. Notify pool management and enforce the venue's policies regarding alcohol

3. Confront the individuals directly

4. Close the pool for safety

The correct answer is: Notify pool management and enforce the venue's policies regarding alcohol

Notifying pool management and enforcing the venue's policies regarding alcohol is the correct approach in this scenario. It prioritizes safety and adheres to the legal and operational protocols of the facility. Lifeguards are responsible for maintaining a safe environment, and underage drinking poses significant risks, not only to the individuals consuming alcohol but also to other swimmers and the overall safety of the area. Involving pool management ensures that appropriate measures can be taken. They are typically trained to handle such situations and may have specific policies about underage drinking that must be followed. This also helps to document the incident and protect the lifeguard from potential liability by ensuring that the situation is addressed by those in authority. Furthermore, directly confronting individuals can escalate the situation or compromise the lifeguard’s safety and authority. Closing the pool may seem like a measure to enhance safety, but it is not a suitable or practical response for a situation related to underage drinking unless there is an immediate threat to safety. Ignoring the issue violates the duty of care expected from a lifeguard and could lead to more serious consequences if the situation escalates.