ALA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ALA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What should a lifeguard do if they feel ill or physically unwell before a scheduled shift? → Notify management immediately so a replacement can be arranged
2. Which communication tool should be used by a lifeguard to signal another lifeguard across a large facility? → Two-way radio
3. How should a lifeguard handle post-rescue physical exhaustion to ensure ongoing patron safety? → Signal for rotation immediately and be relieved by a fresh lifeguard
4. What does a 'proactive' surveillance approach mean for ALA-certified lifeguards? → Identifying and correcting hazards before an incident occurs
5. What is the primary concern when managing a suspected spinal injury in the water? → Preventing movement of the head and spine
6. What does the ALA treading water requirement assess in certification testing? → Ability to stay afloat without using hands for 2 minutes
7. When a victim with a suspected spinal injury needs rescue breaths, how should the airway be opened? → Jaw-thrust maneuver without tilting the head
8. What whistle signal does the ALA standardize as the signal for 'everyone out of the water'? → Three or more short blasts
9. Which strategy is most effective for communicating pool rules to non-English-speaking patrons? → Multilingual signage combined with visual pictograms
10. Which of the following is a key behavioral sign of an active drowning victim? → Body vertical, head tilted back, mouth at or near water level
11. Which condition MOST impairs a lifeguard's ability to recognize a drowning victim in the water? → Sunlight glare on the water surface
12. Which weather condition should prompt a lifeguard to clear the pool immediately? → Lightning within 10 miles
13. What should you do for a victim experiencing heat exhaustion? → Move to a cooler place and offer water
14. What information must be included in every aquatic incident report filed after an injury? → Date, time, location, description of incident, injuries, witnesses, and treatment provided
15. Which age group has the highest drowning rate in the United States? → Children aged 1–4 years
16. What is the minimum acceptable water visibility standard at a properly maintained pool? → The main drain must be clearly visible from the surface
17. How should lifeguards be positioned to reduce blind spots in a rectangular pool? → At elevated stands at both ends and sides
18. What information should a lifeguard provide to a patron who asks about swim lesson programs? → Basic overview of available programs and direct them to the facility office for details
19. What is the primary on-deck communication signal used by lifeguards to activate the Emergency Action Plan during a drowning? → A whistle signal
20. What does the term 'passive drowning victim' describe? → An unconscious swimmer who has sunk to the bottom
21. What is the best way to practice your emergency action plan? → Through regular drills and simulations.
22. What is the purpose of the ALA 'bottom scan' technique? → To check for unconscious or submerged swimmers on the pool floor
23. What is the recommended chlorine level for a properly maintained public swimming pool? → 1–3 parts per million (ppm)
24. When should a lifeguard suspect a spinal injury even if the victim is conscious and says they feel fine? → After any diving or head-first water entry accident
25. What is the purpose of a 'safety audit' at an aquatic facility? → To systematically evaluate all safety practices and equipment for compliance and risk
26. What is the recommended maximum consecutive time a lifeguard should remain on surveillance duty without a break? → 30 to 45 minutes
27. How can a lifeguard maintain alertness during a slow, uneventful surveillance shift? → Use structured scanning routines and mentally narrate observations about swimmer behaviors
28. Which of the following is considered a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate first aid? → Severe bleeding
29. What does the ALA recommend to prevent dehydration in lifeguards working outdoor shifts? → Drink water regularly throughout the shift even before feeling thirsty
30. In which situation would a lifeguard NOT need to apply spinal precautions? → A swimmer who slipped on the deck and walked to the pool edge complaining of a cut knee