Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

What should a lifeguard do when they notice a swimmer struggling in the water?

1. Wait to see if they can rescue themselves

2. Activate the emergency action plan immediately

3. Signal for help from other lifeguards

4. Jump in to save them without assessment

The correct answer is: Activate the emergency action plan immediately

When a lifeguard notices a swimmer struggling in the water, activating the emergency action plan immediately is crucial. This plan outlines the specific steps to ensure the safety of both the distressed swimmer and the lifeguards involved in the rescue. By activating the plan, the lifeguard ensures that assistance is mobilized quickly and effectively, which is vital in emergency situations. This action helps to clearly communicate the urgency of the situation to other lifeguards and assures that additional resources, such as emergency medical services, can be summoned if necessary. It also establishes an organized response, thereby minimizing chaos and ensuring that all team members know their roles in the rescue operation. While it might be instinctive to jump in immediately to save someone, doing so without assessment could put both the lifeguard and the swimmer at greater risk. Assessing the situation allows the lifeguard to determine the safest method of rescue. It is also important to signal for help, but this should be part of the coordinated response outlined in the emergency action plan rather than an isolated action.