Water Safety and Rescue Techniques Flashcards

What is the role of a designated "Water Watcher" at a swimming gathering?

Answer: An adult who supervises swimmers continuously without distractions

A Water Watcher gives constant, undistracted attention to swimmers and hands off the role formally.

If an emergency happens during a swim lesson, what should the instructor do with the rest of the class?

Answer: Have them exit the water and stay under supervision in a safe spot

Clearing and supervising the class keeps other students from becoming victims while the emergency is handled.

Why should instructors forbid hyperventilating before underwater swimming?

Answer: It can lead to shallow water blackout without warning

Hyperventilation lowers carbon dioxide and delays the urge to breathe, so a swimmer can lose consciousness underwater.

Which self-rescue skill is most useful for a tired swimmer who needs to rest and breathe?

Answer: Rolling onto the back to float

Rolling to a back float keeps the face out of the water with little effort.

Before attaching AED pads to a victim removed from the pool, what should the rescuer do?

Answer: Move the victim out of standing water and dry the chest

A dry chest lets the pads stick and prevents the shock from traveling through water.

How should you position a victim who is unresponsive but breathing normally after a water rescue, if no spinal injury is suspected?

Answer: In a recovery position on their side

The recovery position helps keep the airway open and lets fluids drain.

Why are competitive breath-holding games discouraged in swim programs?

Answer: They can cause hypoxic blackout and drowning

Prolonged breath-holding can cause a sudden loss of consciousness underwater.