Scanning & Surveillance
What is the most important responsibility of a lifeguard while on stand?
What is active surveillance/scanning to prevent and respond to emergencies.
What is the first step before entering the water for a rescue?
Activate the EAP/get help and determine the safest rescue approach.
How long should you check for breathing and a pulse?
No more than 10 seconds.
What does EAP stand for?
Emergency Action Plan.
What does “RID” stand for in drowning prevention?
Recognition, Intrusion, Distraction.
Name three things that can distract a lifeguard while guarding.
Phones, conversations with coworkers/guests, daydreaming, reading, eating, excessive whistle use, watching one swimmer too long. etc.
What piece of equipment should be used whenever possible during a rescue?
A rescue tube.
What is the compression-to-breath ratio for Adult CPR?
30 compressions to 2 breaths.
Why do we have an EAP?
So everyone knows their role during an emergency and can respond quickly.
Why is enforcing pool rules important?
Rules prevent unsafe behaviors before they become emergencies.
A swimmer is vertical in the water, has a low head position, and is not making forward progress. What should you suspect
A swimmer in distress or drowning.
What are the four steps of a simple rescue?
Recognize → Activate EAP → Perform rescue → Provide care.
A swimmer has a suspected spinal injury. What is your priority?
Stabilize the head/neck, activate the EAP, and prevent movement.
During a pool emergency, what should other staff members do?
Assist with equipment, call EMS, control crowds, guide responders, and support the lead responder.
A camper repeatedly runs on deck after being reminded. What should happen?
Address the behavior, explain the safety concern, and follow behavior management procedures.
How often should a lifeguard actively scan their zone?
Continuously; scanning patterns should allow the entire zone to be checked repeatedly. Once every 30 seconds.
A child is struggling in deep water but is still able to grab your rescue tube. What type of victim are they?
A distressed swimmer.
What are signs of a severe allergic reaction?
Trouble breathing, swelling, hives, dizziness, or collapse.
Who should be notified after a serious aquatic incident?
Supervisors/management and emergency contacts according to facility procedures.
What are three things you should check before opening the pool?
Water chemistry, equipment, safety equipment, deck conditions, attendance systems.
You notice another guard staring at one area of the pool for several minutes. What should you do?
Check in with them, ensure they are scanning effectively, and communicate concerns to the supervisor.
During a rescue, why should you approach a panicked swimmer from behind?
To avoid being grabbed or pulled underwater.
Someone is choking but can still cough forcefully. What should you do?
Encourage coughing and monitor them.
During an emergency, a camper crowd starts gathering around the victim. What should a staff member do?
Move campers away, maintain privacy, and keep emergency access clear.
A guard notices broken rescue equipment. What should they do?
Remove it from service and report it immediately.