Written Lifeguarding Practice Test

Which action should a lifeguard take if they observe suspicious behavior near the pool?

1. Confront the individuals immediately

2. Notify the authorities and pool management

3. Ignore it, as it may not be harmful

4. Assume it is part of a game

The correct answer is: Notify the authorities and pool management

Notifying the authorities and pool management is the appropriate action for a lifeguard to take when observing suspicious behavior near the pool. This course of action ensures that trained professionals can assess the situation without escalating it unnecessarily or putting anyone at risk. By alerting authorities and management, the lifeguard allows for a controlled response that can help prevent potential incidents before they escalate further. Confronting individuals directly may lead to confrontation or misunderstanding, and ignoring the behavior could allow a dangerous situation to develop without intervention. Likewise, assuming that the behavior is harmless or part of a game dismisses the responsibility the lifeguard has to ensure the safety of all pool guests. Effective communication with authorities fosters a safer environment and helps maintain order at the facility.