WSI - Water Safety Instructor Water Safety and Rescue Skills Questions and Answers

Question 1

A WSI is supervising a free swim period and notices a swimmer who is vertical in the water, with their head tilted back and mouth at water level.
They are not calling for help, and their arms are pressing down at their sides in a repetitive motion.
What is this person most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Active drowning

Answer

A distressed swimmer

Answer

Hypothermia

Answer

Shallow water blackout

Question 2

Which of the following is a critical component of an aquatic facility's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that a Water Safety Instructor must be prepared to activate immediately?

Accepted Answer

The specific signals used to alert other staff and clear the pool

Answer

The schedule for daily staff meetings

Answer

The procedure for refilling the first aid kit

Answer

The contact information for the pool chemical supplier

Question 3

While teaching, a student in the shallow end, about 5 feet from the edge of the pool, begins to struggle and appears distressed. The WSI is on the pool deck. Which is the safest and most appropriate non-swimming rescue to perform in this situation?

Accepted Answer

A reaching assist with a rescue tube

Answer

A throwing assist with a ring buoy

Answer

A wading assist with a rescue tube

Answer

An immediate in-water rescue

Question 4

What is the primary objective when providing care for a swimmer with a suspected head, neck, or spinal injury in the water?

Accepted Answer

To minimize movement of the head, neck, and spine using in-line stabilization

Answer

To remove the victim from the water as quickly as possible

Answer

To check for responsiveness by shaking the victim's shoulders

Answer

To immediately begin rescue breathing if the victim is not breathing

Question 5

A WSI is conducting a class and notices a group of children repeatedly hyperventilating before attempting to swim underwater for distance. What is the most important and immediate action the instructor should take?

Accepted Answer

Stop the activity immediately and explain the risks of shallow water blackout

Answer

Encourage the behavior as a way to build lung capacity

Answer

Ignore the behavior unless a child shows signs of distress

Answer

Time the children to see who can hold their breath the longest

Question 6

When performing an in-water rescue with a rescue tube, which of the following describes the proper technique for approaching and contacting a conscious victim?

Accepted Answer

Approach from the rear, reach under the victim's armpits, and place the tube between your chest and their back

Answer

Swim directly at the victim's front and hand them the tube

Answer

Push the tube underwater and release it underneath the victim

Answer

Throw the rescue tube to the victim from a distance of 10 feet