Water test

The aquatics program uses a pre-employment swim test as part of the lifeguard hiring process. Each successful candidate must complete and pass the following test to be considered for the lifeguard position.

• 300-yard continuous swim
  • Use front crawl or breaststroke or combination of both.
  • Swimming on the back or side is not allowed.
  • Goggles may be used for this portion of the test.
• Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs
• Complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds
  • Start in the water and swim 20 yards towards submerged object.
  • Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object. You must keep face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath.
  • Carefully place the object on the side of the pool.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder.
  • Goggles may NOT be used for this portion of the test.
• Active and passive drownining victim rear rescue. Using a rescue tube:
  • Perform an appropriate entry and swim approximately 10 yards toward the drowning victim (first time active, second time passive).
  • Perform an appropriate rear victim rescue maneuver and control the victim on the rescue tube and you tow them back to the starting point.
  • Secure victim to the wall and assess the status of the victim.
• Submerged victim rescue (non-spinal). Using a rescue tube:
  • Perform an appropriate entry and swim approximately 10 yards toward the drowning victim. (Victim will submerge when you reach them.)
  • Perform an appropriate rear victim rescue maneuver and control the victim on the rescue tube as you tow them back to the starting point.
  • Secure victim to the wall and with the help of a second rescuer remove the victim from the water using a backboard.
• Spinal turns (shallow and deep). Demonstrate in-line stabilization on the following victims and demonstrate how to maintain in-line stabilization until additional help arrives.
  • Shallow water: Face-up and face-down victim using head splint stabilization; face-up and face-down victim using head/chin stabilization.
  • Deep water: Face-up and face-down victim using head splint stabilization.
• CPR scenario. Using a manikin, demonstrate the appropriate skills based on the condition of the victim as described by the tester. Scenarios may include the following skills:
  • Primary assessment
  • Breathing emergencies
  • 1 and/or 2 person CPR
  • AED use
  • Bag valve mask
  • Conscious/unconscious choking