WSI - Water Safety Instructor Parent and Child Aquatics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A WSI is teaching a Parent and Child Aquatics class.
A parent expresses concern that their 8-month-old infant cries and resists during activities involving back floating.
Which of the following is the most appropriate response and action for the instructor?

Accepted Answer

Explain that this is a common reaction and suggest modifying the hold to provide more support and security, perhaps using a song to create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Answer

Encourage the parent to continue practicing the skill, as the infant will eventually get used to it.

Answer

Advise the parent to switch to a front position, as some infants have a strong fear of being on their back in the water.

Answer

Recommend taking a break from back floating for a few classes and reintroducing it when the infant is older.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of using songs and games in an American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics lesson?

Accepted Answer

To create a fun, engaging, and relaxed learning environment for both the parent and child.

Answer

To provide a structured way to teach advanced swimming strokes.

Answer

To assess the child's cognitive development and ability to follow directions.

Answer

To ensure children expend enough energy to be tired after the lesson.

Question 3

During a Parent and Child Aquatics class, an instructor notices a child is wearing a disposable diaper that is swelling up significantly. What should the instructor do?

Accepted Answer

Ask the parent to remove the child from the water immediately and not return.

Answer

Ignore the issue as it is the parent's responsibility.

Answer

Politely and discreetly inform the parent that the facility requires appropriate, snug-fitting swim diapers or pants to prevent fecal matter from contaminating the pool.

Answer

Make a general announcement to the class about the proper use of swim diapers.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key objective of American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics Level 1, specifically for the child?

Accepted Answer

Learning to ask for permission before entering the water.

Answer

Demonstrating independent swimming for 5 feet.

Answer

Mastering the front crawl arm movements.

Answer

Performing a sitting dive from the side of the pool.

Question 5

A parent in your class is eager for their 2-year-old to swim independently and asks about using inflatable water wings to help. What is the most accurate and responsible guidance the WSI should provide?

Accepted Answer

Explain that the American Red Cross does not recommend air-filled swimming aids because they can deflate suddenly and provide a false sense of security, and that U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are the only recommended flotation device.

Answer

Encourage their use, as they are a great tool for building independence and confidence.

Answer

Advise that water wings are acceptable only if the parent maintains constant physical contact.

Answer

Suggest that water wings are a good first step, to be followed by a swim bubble.

Question 6

In a Parent and Child Aquatics setting, the concept of "touch supervision" is critically important. Which scenario best exemplifies this principle?

Accepted Answer

A parent is in the water and remains within arm's reach of their toddler at all times.

Answer

A parent watching their child from the pool deck while the child is in the shallow end.

Answer

A parent in the water, but on the opposite side of the small teaching pool from their child.

Answer

A parent holding their infant while talking to another parent across the lane line.