Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

If a child falls into the water in distress, after activating the emergency action plan, what should you do next?

1. Clear the pool and alert management.

2. Encourage them to swim back to the edge.

3. Enter the water and rescue the child.

4. Obtain consent from the child's parent.

The correct answer is: Enter the water and rescue the child.

Entering the water and rescuing the child is the essential action to take after activating the emergency action plan. The priority in a situation where a child is in distress is to provide immediate assistance to ensure their safety. The lifeguard is trained to perform rescues swiftly and effectively, minimizing the potential for drowning or further distress. In this scenario, the lifeguard's training emphasizes the importance of direct intervention. Timing is critical because every second counts when someone is struggling in the water. The lifeguard must assess the situation quickly and enter the water to reach the child as safely and swiftly as possible. This action not only addresses the immediate danger but also alleviates the distress the child is experiencing. In contrast, while clearing the pool and alerting management might be necessary steps in an emergency situation, they do not address the immediate need for rescue, and they could delay crucial help. Encouraging the child to swim back to the edge does not assist them directly and could put them at further risk. Similarly, obtaining consent from the child's parent is important in many scenarios; however, it is not the priority when a child is in immediate danger, as it can unnecessarily delay rescue efforts.