• 96 questions

Lifeguard Practice Test

Unofficial multiple-choice questions for a lifeguarding course's written test, each with its public source.

Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what is the longest a lifeguarding certification may be valid?

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Exam mode: 50 questions, no time limit, 40 right to pass (80%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the American Red Cross or any other lifeguard training agency. Bank checked October 7, 2026.

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The real course, as the American Red Cross describes it

Questions
50
To pass
40 of 50 right (80%)
Final skills assessments
Three: a timed single-rescuer CPR scenario after a submerged rescue; rotating in, conducting surveillance and rotating out; and a multiple-rescuer response scen
Prerequisites
Age 15 or older when the class ends, and a swimming skills evaluation that includes a swim-tread-swim sequence and a timed event.
Course length
Lifeguarding (including deep water): 27 hours, 25 minutes instructor-led, or about 6 hours online and 21 hours, 30 minutes in person.
Certificate
Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, valid for 2 years.
Time limit for the written exam
Not given on the public course pages.

Checked October 7, 2026 against American Red Cross, Lifeguard Training, Lifeguard Certification, Lifeguard Test and Lifeguard Preparation pages. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The Red Cross's own lifeguarding page

Next step First aid practice testBLS practice test

All 96 questions

Being a professional lifeguard 12

  • A lifeguard has an open wound. How may they stay in a lifeguard role under the Model Aquatic Health Code? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.7.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • A lifeguard is certified for shallow water only. Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, where may they not be assigned? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.3.3. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • A lifeguard is exposed to UV on duty. What is the lowest SPF the Model Aquatic Health Code names for protection? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.3.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • A lifeguard is ill with diarrhea. What does the Model Aquatic Health Code's illness policy say? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.7.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
Show all 96 questions (92 more)

Being a professional lifeguard, continued

  • Before duty at a facility, what does the Model Aquatic Health Code have a lifeguard show they can reach in the venue they are assigned? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.3.4. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, at what level must a qualified lifeguard keep their skills? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.3.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what is the longest a lifeguarding certification may be valid? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.2.1.3.5. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what must aquatic facility staff take part in during their employment to maintain their skills? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.4. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, when must a lifeguard wear polarized sunglasses during surveillance? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.3.8. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, which word must show on the outermost layer of a lifeguard's uniform? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.3.5. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • Which of these is a legal issue the Model Aquatic Health Code requires a lifeguard training course to cover? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.2.1.1.5. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • Which of these is one of the four things that make a lifeguard "qualified" under the Model Aquatic Health Code? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.2.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.

Facility safety 20

  • After the last sound of thunder, how long does the National Weather Service say to stay in safe shelter? National Weather Service, Lightning Tips, Lightning Tips. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Below which pH is the water an imminent health hazard under the Model Aquatic Health Code? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.6.3.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Feces or vomit is found in the pool water. What happens first under the Model Aquatic Health Code? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.5.2.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • For a diarrheal-stool contamination, the Model Aquatic Health Code's chlorine option holds at least 20.0 ppm for at least how long? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.5.3.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • For the Model Aquatic Health Code, when is "night swimming"? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.6.1.3.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Light levels are so low that the main drain cannot be seen from poolside. What does the Model Aquatic Health Code say? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.6.1.1.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Thunder is heard at an outdoor pool. What does the National Weather Service say about places outside? National Weather Service, Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities, Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, after a formed-stool contamination, free chlorine of 2.0 ppm is held for at least how long before reopening? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.5.3.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, free chlorine above what level while bathers are present is an imminent health hazard? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.6.3.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, how clear must the water be while a venue is open? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.7.6.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, in what range must the pH of the water be kept? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.7.3.4.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, which of these is a required message on the sign at the facility entrance? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.4.2.2.3. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, which plan covers lightning and high winds at an aquatic facility? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.5.9. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, which tool may not be used to remove fecal or vomit contamination, unless its waste goes to a sanitary sewer and it can be disinfected? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.5.2.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • What does the Model Aquatic Health Code say about blood in the water of a properly maintained venue? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.5.3.4. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • What minimum free chlorine does the Model Aquatic Health Code set for a pool that does not use cyanuric acid? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.7.3.1.1.2.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • What minimum free chlorine does the Model Aquatic Health Code set for spas? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.7.3.1.1.2.3. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Which missing item on the deck is an imminent health hazard under the Model Aquatic Health Code? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.6.3.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Which of these is an imminent health hazard on the Model Aquatic Health Code's list? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.6.3.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.
  • Which shelter gives the greatest protection from lightning? National Weather Service, Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities, Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Facility Safety.

Surveillance, scanning and prevention 23

  • A lifeguard is assigned to patron surveillance. Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what other tasks may be assigned at the same time? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.3.4. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • A rip current has caught a swimmer. What does the National Weather Service say to do? National Weather Service, Rip Currents: Before You Go in the Water, Know before you enter the water. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • A venue that allows unsupervised children under what age is on the Model Aquatic Health Code's list of venues requiring lifeguards? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.2.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • How does CDC define drowning? CDC, Drowning Facts, What is drowning?. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • How does CDC describe the way drowning happens? CDC, Preventing Drowning, Key points. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • In the Model Aquatic Health Code, what does the required entrance sign say about intentional hyperventilation and extended breath holding? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.4.2.2.3. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • On its beach safety page, what does the Red Cross say is responsible for most rescues performed by lifeguards? American Red Cross, Beach and Ocean Safety, Rip currents. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, a break from surveillance counts as an alternation of tasks if it lasts at least how long? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.1.3. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, how much of each aquatic venue must be assigned to a zone of patron surveillance? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.1.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what is the longest a lifeguard may conduct patron surveillance without an alternation of tasks? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.1.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what must a lifeguard be able to view from the assigned position? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.1.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what must be maintained while one lifeguard takes over a zone from another? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.1.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, within how many seconds must a lifeguard be able to reach the furthest extent of the assigned zone? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.1.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • What can happen when a swimmer hyperventilates before going underwater or holds the breath for a long time? CDC, Preventing Drowning, Don't hyperventilate or hold your breath for a long time. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • What does CDC say about adults supervising children where lifeguards are on duty? CDC, Preventing Drowning, Supervise closely. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • What does CDC say about air-filled or foam toys? CDC, Preventing Drowning, Wear a life jacket. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • What does CDC say about the outcome of drowning? CDC, Drowning Facts, What is drowning?. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • What does the Model Aquatic Health Code say about lifeguard-based remote monitoring systems? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.6.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • What does the Model Aquatic Health Code say about social conversations while a lifeguard conducts bather surveillance? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.3.5. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • What is a rip current, as the National Weather Service describes it? National Weather Service, Rip Currents: Before You Go in the Water, Know before you enter the water. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • Where do rip currents typically form? National Weather Service, Rip Currents: Before You Go in the Water, Know before you enter the water. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.
  • Which of these does the Model Aquatic Health Code bar at a lifeguard station during surveillance? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.3.5. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Effective Surveillance and Scanning.
  • Which of these is on the Model Aquatic Health Code's list of venues that require lifeguards? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.2.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Preventative Lifeguarding.

Emergencies and water rescues 17

  • A child is missing at an aquatic facility. Where does the Red Cross say to check first? American Red Cross, Water Safety, Know what to do in an emergency. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • A facility has a single zone of patron surveillance. Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, how many qualified lifeguards must be present and available to respond? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.3.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • A swimmer is in trouble in a rip current. What does the Red Cross tell a bystander who is not a trained beach lifeguard? American Red Cross, Beach and Ocean Safety, Rip currents. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Water Rescues.
  • How long is the reaching pole the Model Aquatic Health Code calls for? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.4.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Water Rescues.
  • In the Red Cross course equipment list, what is a backboard without head immobilizers used for? American Red Cross, Lifeguard Preparation, More About the Course. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Water Rescues.
  • In the Red Cross steps for a drowning emergency, how much care does a lone rescuer give before calling EMS? American Red Cross, Water Safety, Drowning chain of survival. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • In the Red Cross timed response assessment, the submerged rescue, extrication and rapid assessment are completed within what time? American Red Cross, Lifeguard Recertification, Assessment 1 - Timed Response. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Water Rescues.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, a facility with one qualified lifeguard must provide a reaching pole and which other device? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.3.10. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Water Rescues.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, backboards must be placed so that one reaches an incident within what response time? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.3.2.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, how often must the emergency action plan be reviewed with staff and management? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.5.3. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, in water 3 feet deep or more, where must the lifeguard's rescue tube be? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.3.4. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Water Rescues.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what must a facility's backboard be equipped with? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.3.2.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, what must each lifeguard wear to communicate with users and staff? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.3.6. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, which of these must a written emergency action plan include at a minimum? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.4.5.6. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, which of these must an emergency action plan outline? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.3.3.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • Under the Model Aquatic Health Code, which personal protective items must an on-duty lifeguard carry in a hip pack or on the rescue tube? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.3.9. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Responding to Emergencies.
  • Which phrase does the Red Cross teach the public for safely assisting a drowning person? American Red Cross, Water Safety, Helping others. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Water Rescues.

Breathing and cardiac emergencies 11

  • A drowned swimmer has been brought onto the deck in cardiac arrest. Which kind of CPR do the 2025 guidelines recommend? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.5. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, CPR and AED.
  • A lifeguard team is about to start CPR on a drowned swimmer. For trained rescuers, which order may be reasonable? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.5. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, CPR and AED.
  • An AED is on its way to a drowned swimmer in cardiac arrest. What should already be under way before the pads go on? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.6. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, CPR and AED.
  • By what means should a trained rescuer give breaths to a drowned person in respiratory or cardiac arrest? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.4. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Ventilations and Airway Management.
  • How common are initial shockable rhythms in cardiac arrest following drowning? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.6. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, CPR and AED.
  • How does drowning generally progress, in the 2025 guidelines? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Ventilations and Airway Management.
  • What do the guidelines say about using an AED when the heart has stopped after drowning? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.6. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, CPR and AED.
  • What may an appropriately trained rescuer provide to an unresponsive drowned person while still in the water, if it is safe? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Ventilations and Airway Management.
  • What should trained rescuers provide, if available, to a person in cardiac arrest following drowning? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.3. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Ventilations and Airway Management.
  • Whom do the 2025 drowning guidelines count as a "trained rescuer"? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.1. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Being a Professional Lifeguard.
  • Why do the drowning recommendations place an emphasis on breaths? 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC, Part 10: Adult and Pediatric Special Circumstances of Resuscitation, section 11.5. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, CPR and AED.

First aid and spinal injuries 13

  • A person with a suspected head, neck or spinal injury is wearing a helmet. What does the Red Cross say? American Red Cross, Head, Neck and Spinal Injury, General Care. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Head, neck and spinal injuries.
  • A pool chemical splashes into an eye. Besides tap water, what is reasonable for irrigation if it is immediately available? 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid, section 8.3. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.
  • During active cooling for heatstroke, what target core temperature do the first aid guidelines give? 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid, section 7.9. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.
  • How long does the Red Cross say to immerse a jellyfish sting in hot water? American Red Cross, Jellyfish Stings, General Care. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.
  • In the Model Aquatic Health Code, under whose guidelines must lifeguards be taught universal precautions and PPE for body fluids and blood? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.2.1.1.4. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.
  • On the Red Cross page, which of these is a sign of a head, neck or spinal injury? American Red Cross, Head, Neck and Spinal Injury, Emergency Steps. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Head, neck and spinal injuries.
  • Under the 2024 first aid guidelines, a seizure in which place is itself a reason to activate EMS? 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid, section 6.6. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.
  • What does the Model Aquatic Health Code require lifeguard first aid training to do for a suspected spinal injury, on land or in the water? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 6.2.1.1.4. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Head, neck and spinal injuries.
  • What does the National Weather Service say about touching a person who has been struck by lightning? National Weather Service, Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities, Lightning Safety and Outdoor Sports Activities. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.
  • What does the Red Cross tell a responsive person with a suspected head, neck or spinal injury? American Red Cross, Head, Neck and Spinal Injury, General Care. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, Head, neck and spinal injuries.
  • What is the first Red Cross care step for a jellyfish sting? American Red Cross, Jellyfish Stings, General Care. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.
  • When water immersion is not available, which is a listed form of active cooling for heatstroke? 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid, section 7.9. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.
  • Which item is on the Model Aquatic Health Code's minimum list of first aid supplies for an aquatic facility? CDC, 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition), Code, section 5.8.5.2.2.2. Outline: Red Cross lifeguarding topic list, First Aid.

How this list was compiled: Our own multiple-choice questions, grouped by the topics the American Red Cross lists for its lifeguarding course (https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding/lifeguard-preparation and the Lifeguard Manual page under it, read 2026-10-07): being a professional lifeguard, facility safety, surveillance and scanning, preventative lifeguarding, responding to emergencies, water rescues, ventilations, CPR and AED, first aid, and head, neck and spinal injuries. Every fact was read on 2026-10-07 in a public source the question names: CDC's 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (5th Edition) and drowning pages, National Weather Service safety pages, Part 10 of the 2025 American Heart Association Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid, and public pages of redcross.org. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free lifeguard practice test has 96 multiple-choice sample questions of our own for the written test of a lifeguarding course. It is unofficial and not affiliated with the American Red Cross or any other lifeguard training agency.

Read the full guide

What it covers

The topics follow the Red Cross course's public topic list, read October 7, 2026: being a professional lifeguard, facility safety, surveillance, scanning and prevention, emergencies and water rescues, breathing and cardiac emergencies, and first aid and spinal injuries.

Where the answers come from

Each answer was read in a public source named under the question: CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code, National Weather Service safety pages, the 2025 resuscitation and 2024 first aid guidelines, or a public Red Cross page.

  • CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code is guidance, not federal law, and applies only where a jurisdiction has adopted it. Your facility's own rules come first.

Questions and answers

Is this lifeguard practice test multiple choice?

Yes. Every question has four choices and one right answer. After you answer, a short explanation names the public source and its section.

How many questions are on the lifeguard written test?

The American Red Cross says its final written exam has 50 questions and needs a minimum score of 80% (Lifeguard Training page, read October 7, 2026). Exam mode here matches that. Other training agencies set their own tests.

Is this the Red Cross lifeguard test?

No. It is unofficial. The questions are our own, written from public sources. None is taken from or reworded from a lifeguarding course, a final exam or the Lifeguarding Manual.

Can I get lifeguard certified with an online test?

No. A quiz is practice for the written test only. The Red Cross course also requires a swimming skills evaluation, in-person sessions in the water and three final skills assessments.

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