YMCA Lifeguard Practice Test

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Study for the YMCA Lifeguard Test with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and explanations. Prepare effectively for your examination with detailed hints. Achieve success in your lifeguard certification!

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Which of the following is a common cause of hypothermia?

Being in cold water for an extended period of time
Sweating excessively
Heat stroke
Wearing damp clothing while active

The correct answer is: Being in cold water for an extended period of time

Being in cold water for an extended period of time is a common cause of hypothermia because prolonged exposure to cold water can significantly lower the body temperature. Water conducts heat away from the body much more efficiently than air, meaning that even relatively mild water temperatures can prompt hypothermia when a person is submerged for an extended duration. The body's natural mechanisms for generating heat become overwhelmed when exposed to cold water, leading to a drop in core body temperature that can result in physiological impairments and, if not addressed, can be life-threatening. While sweating excessively and wearing damp clothing can contribute to heat loss, they don't directly cause hypothermia like being in cold water can. Heat stroke is a separate condition related to overheating, not hypothermia.