Written Lifeguarding Practice Test

What should lifeguards do after an incident occurs, regardless of whether there are injuries?

1. Discuss the incident with swimmers

2. Ignore it if there are no injuries

3. Document the incident in an incident report

4. Report it to the head lifeguard only

The correct answer is: Document the incident in an incident report

After any incident, regardless of the presence of injuries, lifeguards must document the incident in an incident report. This practice is vital for several reasons. First, proper documentation creates an official record of what transpired, which is essential for liability protection and tracking patterns over time. It also ensures that any potential safety issues can be identified and addressed, enhancing the overall safety of the environment. Furthermore, incident reports may provide crucial information for staff training and development, helping to prevent similar incidents in the future. Accurate and detailed records can assist with investigations into incidents and improve emergency response procedures. By consistently documenting every incident, lifeguards maintain a professional standard that supports the safety and well-being of all patrons.