ELLIS & ASSOCIATES LIFEGUARD
TRAINING VOCABULARY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Shelter During Thunderstorms - Answer-• If outside, take shelter in a building,
completely enclosed structure, or hardtop vehicle
• Protect yourself from lightning - avoid shelter areas that are not fully enclosed
• Once guests are secure indoors, advise them to stay clear of metal objects, plumbing
and even land lines. All three can conduct electricity from a direct lightning strike
• Check with the National Weather Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) for additional information about lightning safety
N.O.A.A - Answer-National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Wind - Answer-Can agitate the water's surface enough to affect your ability to see the
pool bottom. Wind gusts can be dangerous, resulting in flying objects like furniture,
umbrellas, towels, water bottles, and other items that are not secured.
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP) provides procedures in case wind conditions become
dangerous.
Tornados - Answer-Watch - A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible.
Tornado watches are issued long before a storm potentially reaches the area where the
tornado may touch down.
Warning - A tornado warning means that a tornado has touched down.
Other Unique Weather Conditions - Answer-As with other environmental conditions,
follow your Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to provide for the safety of your guests and
yourself.
Hydration - Answer-Staying hydrated keeps lifeguards alert and vigilant.
Dehydration - Answer-Inadequate hydration can lead to dehydration, a loss of body fluid
that leads to fatigue.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout your shift to avoid the effects of dehydration.
Chemical Safety - Answer-Employers implement a Hazard Communication Standard to
reduce and prevent injury and illness resulting from exposure to chemicals. (required by
OSHA)
- This standard is met by requiring facilities to provide and make available Safety Data
Sheets (SDS) for each chemical.
O.S.H.A - Answer-Occupational Safety and Health Administration
,S.D.S - Answer-Safety Data Sheet
Lifeguards have a Right to Know About Chemicals - Answer-• What hazardous
chemicals are in their facility • Where the chemicals are stored in the facility
• How to properly store the chemicals
• The risks and dangers of each chemical
• How to protect themselves from the chemical
• What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when using the chemicals
• How to handle the chemicals
• How to handle exposure and what treatment is needed
• Where the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are located
Water Chemistry - Answer-It impacts the water clarity for you to safely see your zone,
but it can also affect whether or not contaminants like bacteria from recreational water
borne illnesses are able to live and grow in the water.
- A Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) will handle the
responsibility of managing the facility's water chemistry, adjusting chemicals, and
maintaining the filtration system.
A.F.O - Answer-Aquatic Facility Operator
C.P.O - Answer-Certified Pool Operator
Water Quality in Pools and Hot Tubs - Answer-Chlorine (in some form) is one of the
most common chemicals used to disinfect water. When dissolved in water, chlorine
disinfects and sanitizes the water by killing germs and oxidizing contaminants.
pH - Answer-potential Hydrogen:
- measured on a scale that runs from 0 to 14.
- 7 is neutral, meaning there is a balance between acidity and alkalinity.
- pH is above 7, the water is more basic (alkaline)
- Below 7 the water is more acidic.
- The optimum pH for pool water is typically at or near 7.4.
Water Quality in Natural Body of Water Facilities - Answer-Natural body water facilities
can be affected by algae blooms and pollutants such as runoff from heavy storms,
industrial waste, oil spills, wildlife waste, fertilizer, pesticides, boating waste, and
littering.
R.W.I - Answer-Recreational waterborne illnesses:
- Spread to humans when they swallow, breath or come in contact with contaminated
water.
-Typical signs:
Skin rashes, ear aches, and diarrhea. Some cases, however, can result in pneumonia,
neurological damage, and even death.
,Fecal Incidents in Your Facility (pg. 33) - Answer-Your facility will have a protocol
outlined for handling accidental fecal release (AFRs) incidents.
- your facility should provide training on how to respond to AFRs
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)
provide guidance on the proper way to handle AFRs and maintain healthy swimming
facilities
Handling Accidental Fecal Release Incidents (pg. 33) - Answer-1. Close the aquatic
attraction where the event occurred 2. Remove as much of the fecal matter as possible
using a net/scoop and dispose of it
3. Contact the person responsible for water chemistry and filtration
4. Properly sanitize equipment used before placing it back in service
5. Wait for instructions regarding when to reopen the attraction
A.F.R - Answer-Accidental Fecal Release
C.D.C - Answer-Center for Disease Control
M.A.H.C - Answer-Model Aquatic Health Code:
A voluntary guidance document based on science and best practices that helps local
and state authorities and aquatics facilities to provide healthy and safe swimming and
other water activities.
Other types of Water Contaminants - Answer-You may be responsible for cleaning up
these types of bio spills when they occur in or around their water.
- Cleaning up vomit and or blood is like cleaning up a well-formed accidental fecal
release.
Bloodborne And Airborne Pathogens - Answer-Bacteria and viruses are pathogens
(germs) present in blood and other bodily fluids. Bacteria and viruses can live on
surfaces outside the body for varying periods of time.
- Medications such as antibiotics and anti-viral agents are used to treat bacterial or viral
infections once they occur. But not all infections can be treated effectively.
Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission (pg. 37) - Answer-- Hepatitis B virus: Transferred
Through - Blood, saliva, vomit, semen
- Hepatitis C virus: Transferred Through - Blood, saliva, vomit, semen
- Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Transferred Through - Blood, semen, vaginal
fluids
Airborne Pathogen Transmission - Answer-- Tuberculosis: Transferred Through - Air
droplets from cough or sneeze
- Measles: Transferred Through - Air droplets from cough or sneeze
- Chickenpox (Varicella): Transferred Through -Air droplets from cough or sneeze;
touching the blisters or mucous secretions
- Mumps: Transferred Through - Air droplets from cough or sneeze, saliva
, - Meningitis: Transferred Through - Air droplets from cough or sneeze, saliva, or direct
contact
How Diseases Are Transmitted - Answer-There are three conditions that must be met
for disease transmission to occur:
• The pathogen must be present in adequate quantity to cause disease
• A person must be susceptible to the pathogen
• The pathogen must enter the body through an opening such as the eyes, nose, mouth,
skin cuts, abrasions, bites, or needlestick puncture
O.P.I.M - Answer-Other Possibly Infectious Material
OSHA Protection Standards - Answer-Established regulations to protect employees
from on-the-job exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens and OPIM. This
includes reducing or removing hazards from your workplace that may place you in
contact with infectious materials.
The regulations are known as:
• OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1040
• OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.334
OSHA's standards require that your employer protect you when you are doing your job.
- Answer-This includes:
• Identifying duties that you will perform that fall within the protection offered by the
standards
• Establishing an Exposure Control Plan that includes protective measures to follow to
minimize the chance of disease transmission
• Seeking your input into engineering and work practice controls
• Offering access to the Hepatitis B vaccination
• Creating a system of recordkeeping that tracks required training and exposure
incidents
• Creating protocols to follow in the event of an exposure incident
• Implementing a schedule for cleaning and decontaminating the workplace
• Implementing a system to identify and properly dispose of soiled material
• Ensuring confidentiality of your medical records and any exposure incidents
Disease Prevention Practices - Answer-Disease prevention practices are made up of:
• Administrative controls
• Engineering controls
• Work practice controls
• Standard precautions
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
P.P.E - Answer-Personal Protection Equipment
Administrative Controls - Answer-Administrative controls include the programs and
policies that support and direct the overall disease prevention plan.
TRAINING VOCABULARY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Shelter During Thunderstorms - Answer-• If outside, take shelter in a building,
completely enclosed structure, or hardtop vehicle
• Protect yourself from lightning - avoid shelter areas that are not fully enclosed
• Once guests are secure indoors, advise them to stay clear of metal objects, plumbing
and even land lines. All three can conduct electricity from a direct lightning strike
• Check with the National Weather Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) for additional information about lightning safety
N.O.A.A - Answer-National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Wind - Answer-Can agitate the water's surface enough to affect your ability to see the
pool bottom. Wind gusts can be dangerous, resulting in flying objects like furniture,
umbrellas, towels, water bottles, and other items that are not secured.
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP) provides procedures in case wind conditions become
dangerous.
Tornados - Answer-Watch - A tornado watch means that tornadoes are possible.
Tornado watches are issued long before a storm potentially reaches the area where the
tornado may touch down.
Warning - A tornado warning means that a tornado has touched down.
Other Unique Weather Conditions - Answer-As with other environmental conditions,
follow your Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to provide for the safety of your guests and
yourself.
Hydration - Answer-Staying hydrated keeps lifeguards alert and vigilant.
Dehydration - Answer-Inadequate hydration can lead to dehydration, a loss of body fluid
that leads to fatigue.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout your shift to avoid the effects of dehydration.
Chemical Safety - Answer-Employers implement a Hazard Communication Standard to
reduce and prevent injury and illness resulting from exposure to chemicals. (required by
OSHA)
- This standard is met by requiring facilities to provide and make available Safety Data
Sheets (SDS) for each chemical.
O.S.H.A - Answer-Occupational Safety and Health Administration
,S.D.S - Answer-Safety Data Sheet
Lifeguards have a Right to Know About Chemicals - Answer-• What hazardous
chemicals are in their facility • Where the chemicals are stored in the facility
• How to properly store the chemicals
• The risks and dangers of each chemical
• How to protect themselves from the chemical
• What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when using the chemicals
• How to handle the chemicals
• How to handle exposure and what treatment is needed
• Where the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are located
Water Chemistry - Answer-It impacts the water clarity for you to safely see your zone,
but it can also affect whether or not contaminants like bacteria from recreational water
borne illnesses are able to live and grow in the water.
- A Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) will handle the
responsibility of managing the facility's water chemistry, adjusting chemicals, and
maintaining the filtration system.
A.F.O - Answer-Aquatic Facility Operator
C.P.O - Answer-Certified Pool Operator
Water Quality in Pools and Hot Tubs - Answer-Chlorine (in some form) is one of the
most common chemicals used to disinfect water. When dissolved in water, chlorine
disinfects and sanitizes the water by killing germs and oxidizing contaminants.
pH - Answer-potential Hydrogen:
- measured on a scale that runs from 0 to 14.
- 7 is neutral, meaning there is a balance between acidity and alkalinity.
- pH is above 7, the water is more basic (alkaline)
- Below 7 the water is more acidic.
- The optimum pH for pool water is typically at or near 7.4.
Water Quality in Natural Body of Water Facilities - Answer-Natural body water facilities
can be affected by algae blooms and pollutants such as runoff from heavy storms,
industrial waste, oil spills, wildlife waste, fertilizer, pesticides, boating waste, and
littering.
R.W.I - Answer-Recreational waterborne illnesses:
- Spread to humans when they swallow, breath or come in contact with contaminated
water.
-Typical signs:
Skin rashes, ear aches, and diarrhea. Some cases, however, can result in pneumonia,
neurological damage, and even death.
,Fecal Incidents in Your Facility (pg. 33) - Answer-Your facility will have a protocol
outlined for handling accidental fecal release (AFRs) incidents.
- your facility should provide training on how to respond to AFRs
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)
provide guidance on the proper way to handle AFRs and maintain healthy swimming
facilities
Handling Accidental Fecal Release Incidents (pg. 33) - Answer-1. Close the aquatic
attraction where the event occurred 2. Remove as much of the fecal matter as possible
using a net/scoop and dispose of it
3. Contact the person responsible for water chemistry and filtration
4. Properly sanitize equipment used before placing it back in service
5. Wait for instructions regarding when to reopen the attraction
A.F.R - Answer-Accidental Fecal Release
C.D.C - Answer-Center for Disease Control
M.A.H.C - Answer-Model Aquatic Health Code:
A voluntary guidance document based on science and best practices that helps local
and state authorities and aquatics facilities to provide healthy and safe swimming and
other water activities.
Other types of Water Contaminants - Answer-You may be responsible for cleaning up
these types of bio spills when they occur in or around their water.
- Cleaning up vomit and or blood is like cleaning up a well-formed accidental fecal
release.
Bloodborne And Airborne Pathogens - Answer-Bacteria and viruses are pathogens
(germs) present in blood and other bodily fluids. Bacteria and viruses can live on
surfaces outside the body for varying periods of time.
- Medications such as antibiotics and anti-viral agents are used to treat bacterial or viral
infections once they occur. But not all infections can be treated effectively.
Bloodborne Pathogen Transmission (pg. 37) - Answer-- Hepatitis B virus: Transferred
Through - Blood, saliva, vomit, semen
- Hepatitis C virus: Transferred Through - Blood, saliva, vomit, semen
- Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Transferred Through - Blood, semen, vaginal
fluids
Airborne Pathogen Transmission - Answer-- Tuberculosis: Transferred Through - Air
droplets from cough or sneeze
- Measles: Transferred Through - Air droplets from cough or sneeze
- Chickenpox (Varicella): Transferred Through -Air droplets from cough or sneeze;
touching the blisters or mucous secretions
- Mumps: Transferred Through - Air droplets from cough or sneeze, saliva
, - Meningitis: Transferred Through - Air droplets from cough or sneeze, saliva, or direct
contact
How Diseases Are Transmitted - Answer-There are three conditions that must be met
for disease transmission to occur:
• The pathogen must be present in adequate quantity to cause disease
• A person must be susceptible to the pathogen
• The pathogen must enter the body through an opening such as the eyes, nose, mouth,
skin cuts, abrasions, bites, or needlestick puncture
O.P.I.M - Answer-Other Possibly Infectious Material
OSHA Protection Standards - Answer-Established regulations to protect employees
from on-the-job exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens and OPIM. This
includes reducing or removing hazards from your workplace that may place you in
contact with infectious materials.
The regulations are known as:
• OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1040
• OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.334
OSHA's standards require that your employer protect you when you are doing your job.
- Answer-This includes:
• Identifying duties that you will perform that fall within the protection offered by the
standards
• Establishing an Exposure Control Plan that includes protective measures to follow to
minimize the chance of disease transmission
• Seeking your input into engineering and work practice controls
• Offering access to the Hepatitis B vaccination
• Creating a system of recordkeeping that tracks required training and exposure
incidents
• Creating protocols to follow in the event of an exposure incident
• Implementing a schedule for cleaning and decontaminating the workplace
• Implementing a system to identify and properly dispose of soiled material
• Ensuring confidentiality of your medical records and any exposure incidents
Disease Prevention Practices - Answer-Disease prevention practices are made up of:
• Administrative controls
• Engineering controls
• Work practice controls
• Standard precautions
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
P.P.E - Answer-Personal Protection Equipment
Administrative Controls - Answer-Administrative controls include the programs and
policies that support and direct the overall disease prevention plan.
