American Lifeguard Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Rescue breathing for an infant should be performed at a rate of approximately one breath every three seconds. This rate ensures that the infant receives sufficient oxygen without causing over-inflation of the lungs or potential injury. Infants have a smaller lung capacity, and their respiratory needs differ significantly from those of older children and adults, which is why it is crucial to adjust the rescue breathing technique accordingly.

In addition, using this specific rate helps to maintain a balance between providing adequate ventilation and allowing for sufficient time between breaths to avoid stress on the infant's respiratory system. Understanding this rate is essential for lifeguards and rescuers, as timely and effective rescue breaths can be life-saving in emergency situations involving infants.