BSA Lifeguard - Written Test

BSA Lifeguard - Written Test with AnswersThis written test contains multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, true or false, andchoose-from-a-list questions. Write your name in the space provided and mark your answers onthe test in the space provided. You have 60 minutes to complete this test.Write your answer in the space provided1. List the four responsibilities of theLookout:(1) Continuously monitor the conduct ofthe swim(2) Identify any departures from Safe3. What are the three points of the RIDFactor?Failure to Recognize the instinctivedrowning responseIntrusion of secondary dutiesSwim Defense guidelines(2) Alert rescue personnel as needed(3) Monitor the weather andenvironment2. List at least four basic legalconsiderations that lifeguards should beaware of:Distraction from surveillance duties4. List, in order of preference, the fourmethods of rescue.(1) Reach – using an arm, rescue tube orreach pole(2) Throw – ring buoy, throw bag, lineDuty to act(3) Row – use any type of watercraftStandard of care(4) Go – swim to the victim preferablyNegligenceGood Samaritan Lawwith a floating aid (rescue tube,rescue can, rescue board)AbandonmentConfidentialityRecord keepingApril 2010Page 1

BSA Lifeguard - Written Test with Answers5. List the requirements for classification as a BSA Swimmer.Jump feet-first into water over the head in depth, level off, and begin swimming.Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes:sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy restingbackstroke. The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharpturn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.6. List the requirements for classification as a BSA Beginner.Jump feet-first into water over the head in depth, level off, and swim 25 feet on thesurface. Stop, turn sharply, resume swimming and return to the starting place.Circle the letter beside the correct answer.7. What is the minimum age of the supervisor specified in the Safe Swim Defense plan?a.b.c.d.141618218. What training is required for the supervisor under the Safe Swim Defense plan?a.b.c.d.BSA Safe Swim DefenseCPR and Standard First AidBSA Swimming and Water RescueBSA Lifeguard or Red Cross Lifeguarding9. How many supervisors are required under the Safe Swim Defense Plan?a.b.c.d.1231 for every 10 swimmers10. What evidence of fitness for swimming is required?a.b.c.d.Signed release of liabilitySigned health history formSigned membership applicationSigned permission to seek medical attentionApril 2010Page 2

BSA Lifeguard - Written Test with Answers11. What is the maximum recommended water depth when swimming in clear water?a.b.c.d.8 feet9 feet10 feet12 feet12. What is the maximum recommended water depth when swimming in turbid water?a.b.c.d.8 feet9 feet10 feet12 feet13. How is turbid water defined under Safe Swim Defense?a.b.c.d.The bottom of the swim area is not visible.A swimmer treading water cannot see his feet.A 12-inch white disk is not visible 3 feet under water.A 12-inch white disk is not visible 8 feet under water.14. What activities are not permitted when swimming in turbid water?a.b.c.d.Run-and-swim entryStride or compact entryOpening the eyes under waterDiving and underwater swimming15. What is the minimum qualification to serve as a lookout under the Safe SwimDefense plan?a.b.c.d.Trained in Swimming and Water RescuesSound understanding of Safe Swim DefenseTrained in CPR, AED, and Standard First AidCurrently trained lifeguard (BSA or Red Cross)16. What is the minimum water depth for a diving entry?a.b.c.d.6 feet7 feet8 feet9 feet17. What is the minimum depth when jumping feet-first into r-the-headApril 2010Page 3

BSA Lifeguard - Written Test with Answers18. What is a factor to consider when the water is cold?a.b.c.d.Monitor the adults more closely than the youthRecommend all swimmers wear a cotton T-shirt.Reduce the amount of exposure time in the water.Visible symptoms of chill are consistent in children.19. How long should you wait after the last lightning flash or thunder before leavingshelter?a.b.c.d.20 minutes25 minutes30 minutes45 minutes20. What type of shelter typically provides better protection from lightning?a.b.c.d.A small metal picnic shelter.A tarp with a stainless steel cable for a ridgeline.Wall tents on permanent platforms with metal frames.An enclosed building with permanent electrical wiring.21. What additional training must be valid in order for the BSA Lifeguard training to bevalid?a.b.c.d.Safe Swim Defense and Safety AfloatFirst Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional RescuerAquatics Supervision: Swimming and Water RescueAquatics Supervision and Youth Protection training22. What should you do if buddies take longer than 10 seconds to find one anotherduring a buddy check?a.b.c.d.Remind them of their responsibility for the other’s safetyRemove them from the water and notify their adult leaderRequire them to get out of the water for the rest of the dayRequire them to get out of the water until the next buddy check23. What is the minimum age specified in the National Camp Standards to serve as alifeguard for swimming activities in a natural body of water?a.b.c.d.14 years old15 years old16 years old18 years oldApril 2010Page 4

BSA Lifeguard - Written Test with Answers24. What legal consideration immediately applies to a lifeguard if an emergency occurswhile he or she is performing surveillance?a.b.c.d.Assumption of riskDuty to actInformed consentLawsuit25. What is the purpose of an emergency action plan (EAP)?a.b.c.d.Provide first aid to the victim until CPR can be started.Rescue the victim without creating liability for the BSA.Provide plans to contact EMS in the event of a near drowning.Provide a plan describing everyone’s responsibility in an emergency.26. What action should you take when a thunderstorm threatens an outside aquatics area?a.b.c.d.Wait for a flash of lightning then clear the pool.At the first sound of thunder clear the pool.Monitor forecasts on the radio and wait.Go to the facility office for direction.27. During a safety inspection of the beginner’s area, you notice a broken step on one ofthe ladders. What action should you take?a.b.c.d.Close the beginners area until a temporary repair can be made.Put a sign on the ladder so participants will not use the broken step.Close the beginner’s area until the camp ranger can inspect the step.Notify the aquatics director and put a “Do Not Use” sign on the ladder.28. According to statistics, what is the highest age risk group for cardiac arrest?a.b.c.d.Cub Scouts under age 11.Boy Scouts, ages 11-17.Adults, ages 40-50Adults, over age 65.29. What is the proper order of steps to take when someone has a cardiac arrest in thewater?a.b.c.d.Remove victim from water, place victim on hard surface, begin CPR, call 911.Move victim to side of pool and begin CPR.Remove victim from water and call 911.Call 911, remove victim from water, place victim on hard surface, begin CPR.April 2010Page 5

BSA Lifeguard - Written Test with Answers30. What parts of the swimming area are the responsibility of the lookout?a.b.c.d.Swimmer areaBeginner areaNon-swimmer areaAll of the above31. What is the maximum depth for the Non-Swimmer area?a.b.c.d.waist deepwaist to chest deepchest deepshoulder deep32. What is the maximum depth for the Beginner area?a.b.c.d.Chest deepStanding depthShoulder depthJust over the head33. During the swim test, what should Scouts who declare themselves to be NonSwimmers do?a.b.c.d.Suit-up and come to the waterfront with the rest of the unit.Be given a chance to play and splash in the water.Get acquainted with the instructor for Non-Swimmers.All of the above34. What is the distance required for the Beginner swim classification?a.b.c.d.50 yards50 feet100 yards100 feet35. What does the color red on the upper half circle of the buddy tag indicate?a.b.c.d.Adult leaderBeginnerSwimmerNon-Swimmer36. What information should be printed on the back of a buddy tag used at a summercamp?a.b.c.d.The unit leader’s name and emergency contact numberKnown medical conditions, physical limitations, and allergiesThe date of the swim classification test and the lifeguard’s initialsThe place where the tag-holder lives in camp and the unit numberApril 2010Page 6

BSA Lifeguard - Written Test with Answers37. Under Safe Swim Defense, what is the minimum response personnel-to-swimmerratio for a unit swim at a remote location?a.b.c.d.One guard for every five Cub Scout participantsOne guard for every 10 participantsOne guard for every 20 participantsa and b38. What is the primary purpose of a buddy check?a.b.c.d.Give lifeguards a break and a chance to rotate stations.Determine if all lifeguards are in position and ready to begin the activity.Determine if someone is missing or has drowned without being noticed.Remind bathers to remain near their buddy so they can lend assistance.39. What should you do if someone with a disability wants to check-in for a recreationalswim?a.b.c.d.Buddy them with another lifeguard.Allow them to swim in the non-swimmer area only.Allow them to swim in the area that matches their ability.Deny them entry and immediately notify the aquatics director.40. What should you do if a unit leader asks to use the swimming area to test a Scout aspart of the Second Class rank advancement?a.b.c.d.Allow the unit leader give the test to the Scout. Guard as needed.Ask to see the unit leader’s current Safe Swim Defense training card.Tell the unit leader only the aquatics staff may test rank advancement.Do not let the leader into the swim area and notify the aquatics director.41. What is the maximum height for diving allowed by the BSA aquatics policy.a.b.c.d.18 inches40 inches48 inches60 inches42. What is the safest method to enter water when the depth is unknown?a.b.c.d.Compact jumpRun-and-swimSlide-in entryStride jumpApril 2010Page 7

BSA Lifeguard - Written Test with Answers43. When performing a reaching rescue using only your arm, how should you positionyour body?a.b.c.d.StandingKneelingSquattingLying down44. What is the first thing a lifeguard should do if a subject grabs them during a rescue?a.b.c.d.Call for back-up and swim away from the subject.Take a breath, tuck your chin, and submerge.Grasp the subject’s forearms just above the elbows.Strike the subject with your elbow.45. When should an injured subject on land be moved?a.b.c.d.When there are other people to assist.When you need to treat severe bleeding.When they are in danger where they are.All of the above46. When should you use a walking assist to remove a victim from the water?a. Only at a lake or ocean where there is a gradual slope to the bottomb. When a conscious victim has hit their head on the bottomc. When an unconscious victim has no or minor injuries and is too weak to walk outby themselvesd. When a conscious victim has no or minor injuries and is too weak to walk out bythemselves.47. When removing a person from the water using a vertical lift, what should be thelifeguard’s primary concern for the victim?a.b.c.d.Calling for assistance.Making sure to bend at the waist when lifting.Protecting the victim’s head and spine.Keeping your rescue tube with you.48. What is the main purpose of in-line stabilization?a.b.c.d.To keep the victim straight so that CPR could be performed, if necessary.To stabilize and restrict motion of the head, neck, and back.To move a victim quickly and safely to shallow water.All of the aboveApril 2010Page 8