Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

Which scenario would most likely lead to a head, neck or spinal injury?

1. Swimming in deep water at a supervised facility

2. Running on the pool deck

3. Diving in shallow water clearly marked No Diving

4. Collision between swimmers

The correct answer is: Running on the pool deck

While running on the pool deck can indeed lead to injuries, the scenario most likely to result in a head, neck, or spinal injury is diving in shallow water clearly marked "No Diving." This is because diving into shallow water carries a heightened risk of hitting the bottom of the pool, leading to serious injuries such as fractures or damage to the spine. The momentum generated by a dive can exacerbate the risk of a severe impact, increasing the likelihood of a head or neck injury. In contrast, swimming in deep water at a supervised facility is generally safe, as lifeguards are present to oversee activities. Running on the pool deck, while potentially hazardous due to slips and falls, does not specifically target the head, neck, or spinal injuries related to impacts with water depths. A collision between swimmers can result in various injuries, but it is not as directly associated with the severe consequences of a head or neck injury as diving improperly is.