ALA Drowning Prevention & Recognition

Question 1

What is the primary distinction between a distressed swimmer and an active drowning victim?

Accepted Answer

A distressed swimmer can still call for help and may stay afloat temporarily

Answer

A distressed swimmer is unconscious and face-down

Answer

An active drowning victim is typically found in shallow water

Answer

A distressed swimmer has already submerged below the surface

Question 2

Which of the following is a key behavioral sign of an active drowning victim?

Accepted Answer

Body vertical, head tilted back, mouth at or near water level

Answer

Waving arms overhead and shouting loudly for help

Answer

Treading water with arms extended horizontally at the surface

Answer

Floating face-up with arms outstretched to the sides

Question 3

How long does an active drowning victim typically remain visible at the water's surface before submerging?

Accepted Answer

20–60 seconds

Answer

10–15 minutes

Answer

2–5 minutes

Answer

3–8 minutes

Question 4

Which age group has the highest drowning rate in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Children aged 1–4 years

Answer

Adults aged 25–35

Answer

Teenagers aged 13–17

Answer

Elderly adults over age 65

Question 5

What term describes a drowning victim who has submerged and is motionless on the pool bottom?

Accepted Answer

Passive drowning victim

Answer

Distressed swimmer

Answer

Active drowning victim

Answer

Secondary drowning victim

Question 6

Which environmental condition most significantly increases the difficulty of detecting a drowning victim?

Accepted Answer

Glare or sunlight reflection on the water surface

Answer

Water temperature below 80°F

Answer

A crowded pool deck with loud noise

Answer

Low air humidity near the pool

Question 7

What is 'secondary drowning' (sometimes called dry drowning)?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress that develops hours after water is inhaled, even after the victim appears recovered

Answer

A drowning that occurs immediately after a prior near-drowning event

Answer

A drowning that occurs in water less than 2 feet deep

Answer

Cardiac arrest triggered by cold water immersion