Prepare for your YMCA Lifeguard Exam with our comprehensive quiz. This resource includes multiple-choice questions that simulate the exam experience, enhancing your knowledge and skills to ensure you are ready on test day.

Practice this question and more.


If you are caught in a rip current, what should you do?

  1. Swim against the current

  2. Face away from shore and do not call attention to yourself

  3. Signal for help immediately

  4. Float on your back to save energy

The correct answer is: Face away from shore and do not call attention to yourself

When you find yourself in a rip current, it is crucial to remain calm and conserve your energy. Facing away from the shore helps you to better assess your situation, as you can observe the direction of the current and any potential rescue opportunities. Additionally, not calling attention to yourself can prevent panic and allow you to focus on your strategy for getting out of the current safely. In a rip current, attempting to swim directly against it can lead to exhaustion, as these currents can be quite powerful. While signaling for help and floating can be suitable actions in certain scenarios, maintaining awareness of your situation and preserving energy is vital to increase your chances of reaching safety.