Browse all practice questions for the Lifeguard Recertification Practice Exam. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

Lifeguard Recertification Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Test Prep Guide course image
More practice questions

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

  • How often should lifeguards conduct safety drills?
  • Why is it important for lifeguards to know CPR?
  • When should you move a conscious victim suspected of having a head, neck, or spine injury?
  • What is the best practice for applying AED pads on a victim with jewelry?
  • Which of the following is crucial to check before starting CPR?
  • Where should your hands be placed when giving chest compressions to an infant during CPR?
  • An important concept in performing effective chest compressions includes compressing to the correct depth, but also, what?
  • What is the first action you should take after positioning the rescue mask on a victim?
  • What should you do if you notice a person swimming full lengths of the pool underwater?
  • What is the best technique available to minimize movement for a head, neck, or spine victim at the surface in less than 3 feet deep water?
  • What is one indicator of an effective lifeguard scanning technique?
  • Which of the following is a sign that a drowning victim may not be conscious?
  • If a lifeguard fails to assess someone they have witnessed being injured, what might they be guilty of?
  • What is the proper technique for in-line stabilization of a victim?
  • What should you do if the victim has multiple piercings and jewelry on their chest before applying AED pads?
  • When should lifeguards use the Heimlich maneuver?
  • When scanning for potential drowning victims, how often should lifeguards shift their focus?
  • If a swimmer slips under the water and doesn't resurface, what type of situation do you probably have?
  • What does the acronym "R.E.S.C.U.E." represent?
  • What is the compression to breath ratio for child CPR?
  • What does in-water stabilization during a suspected spinal injury involve?
  • What is typically the first step in the chain of survival for an unconscious patient?
  • How can lifeguards promote water safety effectively?
  • What is an important factor in conducting a safety briefing before a swim lesson?
  • Which of the following is NOT a part of effective communication in an emergency situation?
  • What step comes after turning the AED on?
  • Which action is critical when performing CPR on an adult?
  • MSDS information within the hazard communication standard contains what information?
  • What is a major advantage of using a bag valve mask (BVM)?
  • What is the main purpose of a pool safety audit?
  • What is the primary goal of the lifeguard during an emergency?
  • What are the mandatory pieces of equipment readily available to a lifeguard?
  • What should a lifeguard do if they find the water is too crowded for effective scanning?
  • When do emergency backup coverage protocols activate with three lifeguards on duty?
  • What are the major concerns for a safe group visit to a pool?
  • What is the role of surveillance in lifeguarding?
  • What is the recommended rate of chest compressions per minute during CPR?
  • If you find an unconscious adult victim that is not breathing but has a pulse, with no severe bleeding, how do you care for the victim until EMS personnel arrive?
  • Which of the following is NOT a sign of heat exhaustion?
  • What are common signs and symptoms of a sudden illness?
  • When should a lifeguard begin documenting an incident?
  • Before you start a primary assessment, what should you always do first as you approach the victim?
  • Which of the following is a sign of a distressed swimmer?
  • During an emergency, how should a rescuer assess the scene?
  • What piece of equipment is vital to PPD for both victim and rescuer when rescue breaths are being delivered?
  • What is the recommended technique to use when performing CPR on an adult?
  • What is a critical capability a lifeguard must exhibit when monitoring a pool area?
  • What is the recommended procedure for treating a suspected fracture?
  • What are early signs of dehydration that lifeguards should watch for?
  • Why is hydration particularly important for lifeguards while on duty?
  • How should lifeguards manage minor injuries such as cuts or scrapes?
  • What does it indicate if a victim displays signs of shock?
  • If you MUST leave an unconscious but breathing victim with a suspected head, neck, or spine injury, what should you do before leaving?
  • Which action properly exemplifies effective emergency response?
  • What is one way lifeguards can maintain their physical fitness?
  • What should a lifeguard do if they are distracted while watching the pool?
  • What requires water treatment, temporary pool closure and immediate lifeguard attention?
  • What should lifeguards do to prepare for a swim lesson?
  • What is the first step after extricating a conscious suspected spinal victim from the water?
  • What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard during an emergency situation?
  • How often should rescuers switch positions during CPR?
  • In case of a burn injury, after getting consent and putting on gloves, what is the next step for an injured patron?
  • What is the first step to take when handling a drowning victim?
  • Describe the purpose of rescue breathing in CPR.
  • What is total coverage in lifeguarding?
  • How can lifeguards ensure effective signal communication during rescues?
  • What action should a lifeguard take if a patron refuses to follow safety rules?
  • What is the correct order of actions when responding to an injured patron?
  • Which of the following are two common types of lifeguard rescues?
  • After blowing a whistle at a patron for a rule infraction, what should the lifeguard do next?
  • What should a lifeguard do if they spot a lightning storm approaching?
  • What should a lifeguard do after a first aid incident?
  • What does the acronym SAMPLE stand for in patient assessment?
  • What "high risk aquatic injury" rarely happens in deep water of a properly supervised facility?
  • If there is a risk of the AED pads touching each other, what do you, as a rescuer, need to do?
  • Why is it essential to keep the pool deck clear?
  • What action should you take during rescue breathing for children?
  • Why is it critical for lifeguards to regularly check the condition of equipment?
  • During a rescue situation, what is one essential principle to uphold?
  • What does "second victim syndrome" refer to?
  • What should a lifeguard prioritize when rescuing a drowning swimmer?
  • What should lifeguards monitor regarding weather conditions?
  • What is the advised action for a lifeguard if they notice a victim with signs of a spinal injury?
  • What should you do if a conscious adult is choking?
  • After ensuring the scene is safe, what is the next step in a primary assessment?
  • What is the proper technique for rescuing a victim in deep water?
  • What should a lifeguard do when they witness a potential injury on the deck?
  • How should a lifeguard check for breathing in an unconscious victim?
  • If the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is activated for a passive submerged victim while you are on break, what is your role?
  • Which of the following describes appropriate communication during a lifeguarding duty?
  • What is the definition of CPR?
  • What is an effective way to reassure a nervous swimmer?
  • What is the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for lifeguards?
  • Effective scanning of the pool involves looking at what parts of the water?
  • What is an appropriate technique to use when delivering rescue breaths?
  • What is the recommended compression-to-breath ratio for adults when administering CPR?
  • Which of the following is NOT a sign of heat exhaustion?
  • What is the primary purpose of a secondary assessment?
  • What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard?
  • What should you do if a patron shows signs of hypothermia?
  • What behavior is expected of lifeguards during peak hours?
  • What is the importance of communicating with fellow lifeguards?
  • An adult injured patron is conscious and bleeding severely. What should you do after obtaining consent and putting on gloves?
  • When performing an abdominal thrust on an adult, where should you place your fist?
  • During a weather-related power failure at a facility, staff should do what?
  • How can lifeguards prepare for unpredictable conditions?
  • Which of the following actions indicates that a swimmer is in trouble?
  • What is the significance of the "Scan" technique for lifeguards?
  • What behaviors might indicate a swimmer is in distress?
  • What does "Duty to Act" refer to in lifeguarding?
  • What is the primary role of communication during a rescue?
  • The sequence of recognizing a distressed swimmer, rescuing an active victim, informing management and speaking with a witness are all part of what?
  • How would you best care for a victim having an asthma attack who doesn't have an inhaler with them?
  • What is the frequency of rescue breaths for an infant during resuscitation?
  • Which are common signs of heat exhaustion?
  • In the primary assessment of an unconscious victim, which step comes first?
  • What should lifeguards do if they witness a potential drowning?
  • Who has the primary responsibility for creating/reviewing policy and procedures, addressing unsafe conditions, and training staff?
  • In the case of a drowning victim, what should be done immediately after CPR is started?
  • What is the correct sequence of actions for a rescuer when approaching a drowning victim?
  • What should be included in a lifeguard's first aid kit?
  • What is the purpose of a lifeguard's scanning technique?
  • What is the first step lifeguards should take in case of an emergency?
  • What does the acronym R.I.C.E. stand for in injury management?
  • In a 2-rescuer CPR scenario for an infant, what is the correct compression and ventilation cycle?
  • When is it appropriate to use the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver?
  • In what scenario might a lifeguard need to initiate a rescuer's distress signal?
  • What are the steps in the Cardiac Chain for Survival?
  • Which of the following actions should be taken first in a rescue scenario?
  • What is a common sign of a drowning person?
  • When performing rescue breathing for an adult, how often should you provide a ventilation?
  • Which of the following is a sign of infection in an open wound?
  • What term describes the setup where multiple lifeguard sanctions reduce the number of patrons each lifeguard watches?
  • What is a key difference between a Deep Water Spinal and a Shallow Water Spinal?
  • What is one of the primary responsibilities of a lifeguard?
  • What should you do if a conscious adult is choking, but can still speak?
  • What are common signs of hypothermia?
  • What is the proper method to remove a conscious choking victim from the water?
  • Put these in correct order: Perform assessment, Check for Responsiveness, Size-up the scene, Summon advanced medical personnel.
  • In an emergency scenario, which classification of first aid is critical for preventing further injury or death?
  • What should be the primary focus of a lifeguard during every shift?
  • When should a lifeguard perform a rescue?
  • What is a critical aspect of lifeguard teamwork?
  • What does RID Factor stand for in lifeguarding?
  • When a 2nd rescuer of equal certification arrives on the scene of CPR in progress, what is the first thing the 2nd rescuer must do?
  • After you pull an unconscious victim out of the water who is infrequently gasping, after determining the victim pulse, what should you do next?
  • How should a rescue buoy be effectively used when approaching a victim?
  • How often should lifeguards attend training sessions to maintain their skills?
  • What is the primary focus of a lifeguard on duty?
  • Why is it crucial for lifeguards to have first aid knowledge?
  • What is the recommended depth for lifeguard training pools?
  • When providing care to a conscious infant, what must always be lower than the infant's chest during back blows or chest thrusts?
  • Which of the following is a sign of a distressed swimmer?
  • What is the recovery position?
  • When should you apply pressure to a wound?
  • In what order should a lifeguard respond after noticing a victim in the water?
  • As you scan the pool effectively, what should be utilized?
  • In the event of a spinal injury, which position should a lifeguard ideally keep the patient in?
  • What is the best way to protect yourself from possible Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission when providing care?
  • In the event of a drowning incident, what should a lifeguard document?
  • What should a lifeguard do first when responding to an emergency?
  • If you have multiple victims, which one should you treat first?
  • What is the clinical name for victims requiring CPR?
  • Who do lifeguards primarily work with as part of their team?
  • When you see a conscious adult who has fallen off a ladder, what is the first thing you need to do?
  • What is the primary goal of CPR?
  • Which technique should be used to manage a spinal injury in water?
  • After diving into the shallow end of the pool, a patron has blood in the ears and or the nose, what do you suspect?
  • What does the acronym L.O.C. stand for?
  • What is the command you should give before shocking a victim with an AED?
  • What is a disadvantage of using a bag valve mask (BVM)?
  • What is your first step when caring for a conscious victim having a heart attack?
  • How should you care for a victim having a seizure while in the water?
  • What is the primary objective of rescue breathing in a lifeguard situation?
  • What does the term "zone coverage" in lifeguarding refer to?
  • If a person reports hitting their head and exhibits blood and fluids from their ear, what should you do?
  • How many chest compressions are included in one cycle of adult CPR?
  • If someone is found to be missing, what is the first action a lifeguard should take?
  • When should the recovery position be used?
  • What should a lifeguard do if they can no longer see some patrons due to glare?
  • What is the criteria needed for a Lifeguard to summon EMS personnel?
  • After getting consent and with the victim's level of air diminishing, how do you best provide care for this conscious victim?
  • What is the proper order for securing straps during a spine boarding procedure?
  • How often should lifeguards practice their rescue techniques?
  • What should a lifeguard do if they suspect a spinal injury?
  • Which action should a lifeguard take immediately upon noticing a drowning person?
  • What is the first step to take when a conscious choking victim becomes unconscious?
  • How far are chest thrust/compressions performed for infants?
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy