American Lifeguard Practice Exam

When performing surveillance at a pool with play structures, you should focus on which group of individuals?

1. Experienced swimmers.

2. Weak swimmers and nonswimmers.

3. Parents watching their children.

4. Lifeguards on duty.

The correct answer is: Weak swimmers and nonswimmers.

In the context of surveillance at a pool with play structures, focusing on weak swimmers and nonswimmers is crucial for ensuring their safety. These individuals are at a higher risk for accidents and drowning due to their limited swimming ability. They may struggle with the challenges presented by the play structures, which can include deeper water, strong currents, or obstacles that can lead to panic or accidents. By prioritizing the monitoring of these vulnerable groups, lifeguards can intervene quickly when necessary, offering assistance or ensuring that safety measures are in place to support weak swimmers and nonswimmers. This proactive approach helps maintain a safe environment for all pool-goers and can significantly reduce the likelihood of incidents. While experienced swimmers may be less likely to require immediate attention, and parents may be engaged with their children, their ability to monitor from a distance is generally sufficient when compared to the elevated risk faced by those who lack swimming confidence or ability. Additionally, while lifeguards on duty are trained to monitor the situation, the emphasis in this scenario is on identifying individuals who may need extra attention to ensure their safety.