What is 'reach or throw, don't go'?

It is a safety rule for untrained bystanders: try to reach the victim with an object or throw something that floats, rather than entering the water, where an untrained rescuer can become a second victim.

What is a rescue tube used for?

A rescue tube provides flotation that supports both the victim and the lifeguard during a rescue. Keeping the tube between you and an active victim also helps protect the rescuer.

How does a passive victim rescue differ from an active one?

An active victim is still struggling at the surface; a passive victim is unresponsive and may be face-down or submerged. A passive rescue focuses on getting the victim face-up, supporting the airway, and removing them quickly for care.

Water Rescue Skills Practice Questions

When prevention and recognition are not enough, a lifeguard performs a water rescue. This part of the exam covers the assists and rescues used for distressed swimmers and drowning victims.

Topics include the rescue tube, reaching and throwing assists, entries and approaches, active and passive victim rescues, and removing a victim from the water — always keeping the rescuer safe.

What this part of the exam covers

The rescue tube and its use as flotation for victim and rescuer
Reaching and throwing assists (reach or throw, don't go)
Entries and approaches: slide-in, stride jump, compact jump
Active and passive drowning victim rescues
Removing a victim from the water and rescuer safety

Practice questions

1. When controlling an active drowning victim, what should the rescuer keep between the victim and the rescuer?

The victim's arms
The rescue tube — Correct answer
The whistle
The backboard straps

Why

The rescue tube should stay between the rescuer and the victim. It helps protect the rescuer and provides flotation support.

2. During a front rescue of an active drowning victim, what should the rescuer do first after reaching the person with a rescue tube?

Use the tube to establish control and keep the victim’s airway above water — Correct answer
Remove the tube and hold the victim directly
Push the victim underwater to stop movement
Turn away and swim to the wall alone

Why

Use the rescue tube to establish control and keep the victim’s airway above water while keeping the tube between you and the victim. The tube stays in place because it helps support the person and create space for the rescuer at the start of contact.

3. What is the first priority when rescuing a passive drowning victim?

Make the victim stand up right away
Support the victim’s airway and get them to safety, keeping them face-up if possible — Correct answer
Have the victim swim to the edge if they can
Wait for the victim to wake up before moving them

Why

A passive drowning victim may not be able to help themselves, so the first priority is to support the airway and get the person to safety. Keeping the victim face-up when possible helps keep the airway open during the rescue.

4. Why is a passive victim often kept face-up during rescue?

To let water drain out by itself
To make the person swim faster
To reduce the need for flotation
To help keep the airway open — Correct answer

Why

Keeping the victim face-up helps keep the airway open. That matters because a passive victim may not be able to protect their own breathing.

5. Which entry is best when you need to enter shallow water carefully and keep control of your body?

Head-first dive
Stride jump
Compact jump
Slide-in entry — Correct answer

Why

A slide-in entry is used when a careful entry is needed, especially in shallow or uncertain water. The other entries are better suited to situations where a quicker or more direct entry is appropriate, not when you need the most control.

6. Which action best supports a passive victim during the water rescue?

Support the head and airway while moving the person safely — Correct answer
Remove the rescue tube before reaching the victim
Ask the victim to hold their breath
Turn the victim face-down

Why

A passive victim may not protect their own airway, so the rescuer must support it. The goal is safe movement with the airway as open as possible.

7. Why is a rescue tube kept between the rescuer and an active drowning victim during a front rescue?

To keep the rescuer from breathing hard
To replace the need to call for help
To provide flotation and protect the rescuer while controlling the victim — Correct answer
To make the victim sink lower for easier control

Why

Keeping the tube between you and the victim gives you a barrier and flotation while you work. It protects the rescuer and supports the victim at the same time.

8. Why is a rear approach sometimes used with a victim?

To avoid using any rescue equipment
To approach a distressed or panicked victim from behind to maintain control and avoid being grabbed — Correct answer
To push the victim under the water
To make the victim turn around and swim away

Why

A rear approach is used to approach a distressed or panicked victim from behind so the rescuer can maintain control and avoid being grabbed. It improves safety and control, not to submerge the person.

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Frequently asked questions

What is 'reach or throw, don't go'?: It is a safety rule for untrained bystanders: try to reach the victim with an object or throw something that floats, rather than entering the water, where an untrained rescuer can become a second victim.
What is a rescue tube used for?: A rescue tube provides flotation that supports both the victim and the lifeguard during a rescue. Keeping the tube between you and an active victim also helps protect the rescuer.
How does a passive victim rescue differ from an active one?: An active victim is still struggling at the surface; a passive victim is unresponsive and may be face-down or submerged. A passive rescue focuses on getting the victim face-up, supporting the airway, and removing them quickly for care.