ALA Surveillance & Scanning Techniques 2

Question 1

What does a 'proactive' surveillance approach mean for ALA-certified lifeguards?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and correcting hazards before an incident occurs

Answer

Proactive surveillance means actively identifying risks and hazards before they lead to an emergency, rather than simply reacting after the fact.

Question 2

What is a 'blind spot' in lifeguard surveillance?

Accepted Answer

An area of the pool that cannot be seen from the guard station

Answer

A blind spot is a physical area within the pool zone that is obscured from the lifeguard's line of sight due to angles, structures, or glare.

Question 3

How should lifeguards be positioned to reduce blind spots in a rectangular pool?

Accepted Answer

At elevated stands at both ends and sides

Answer

Elevated stands positioned at multiple points around a rectangular pool ensure overlapping zones of coverage that reduce or eliminate blind spots.

Question 4

Which behavior is a distraction that ALA guidelines warn lifeguards to avoid while on duty?

Accepted Answer

Texting or using a mobile phone

Answer

ALA guidelines strictly prohibit mobile phone use while on surveillance duty, as it diverts attention from the water and swimmers.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the ALA 'bottom scan' technique?

Accepted Answer

To check for unconscious or submerged swimmers on the pool floor

Answer

The bottom scan is used to detect passive drowning victims who may be lying motionless on the pool floor and are not visible at the surface.

ALA - American Lifeguard Association Certification Practice Test