Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

What is the primary responsibility of a lifeguard during a rescue?

1. a. To evaluate the condition of the victim

2. b. To assist victims with personal flotation devices

3. c. To prevent drowning and ensure water safety

4. d. To supervise all patrons in the pool

The correct answer is: c. To prevent drowning and ensure water safety

The primary responsibility of a lifeguard during a rescue is to prevent drowning and ensure water safety. This encompasses a proactive approach where the lifeguard not only responds to emergencies but also conducts ongoing surveillance to identify potential dangers before they escalate. Maintenance of a safe environment involves monitoring water conditions, recognizing signs of distress in swimmers, and educating patrons on safety rules. While evaluating the condition of a victim, assisting with flotation devices, and supervising patrons are important duties, they are all secondary to the overarching goal of preventing drowning. A lifeguard's primary role is to be vigilant and ready to take action to avoid incidents that could lead to drowning, thus ensuring the overall safety of all individuals in the water.