Written Lifeguarding Practice Test

What should a lifeguard do upon noticing a swimmer in distress?

1. Activate the alarm system and wait for help

2. Immediately perform a rescue while ensuring their own safety

3. Call the police and provide details of the situation

4. Run to the nearest emergency exit

The correct answer is: Immediately perform a rescue while ensuring their own safety

When a lifeguard notices a swimmer in distress, the most appropriate action is to immediately perform a rescue while ensuring their own safety. This approach prioritizes the well-being of the distressed swimmer, as quick intervention can prevent drowning or injury. Lifeguards are trained to assess the situation swiftly and react; they must be prepared to enter the water if needed, using the skills and tools they have at their disposal. Ensuring their own safety is critical because if the lifeguard becomes a victim themselves, they cannot assist the original distressed swimmer effectively. This means evaluating the situation to determine the safest method of rescue, whether it be using a reaching assist, a throwing device, or entering the water carefully if necessary. The other responses do not adequately address the immediate need for action. Activating an alarm system may be important, but waiting for help in an emergency situation can lead to severe consequences for the swimmer. Calling the police is generally inappropriate since lifeguards are trained for water emergencies and the situation often requires immediate lifeguard intervention. Running to an emergency exit would not directly assist the swimmer and would delay necessary action, putting the swimmer at greater risk.