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Lesson 6 - Floating and Body Position

Water Confidence & Play Skills

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Year 1

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Swimming

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35 min

Big Question

How can we make our bodies float like a star in the water?

Learning Objectives

To develop confidence and technique in floating on front and back
To understand how body position and muscle tension affect buoyancy
To practise safe water entry, exit and movement around the pool

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate floating positions on front and back with improved technique
Students will show understanding of how to use their body to maintain buoyancy
Students will work safely and cooperatively in the swimming environment

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Noodles

1 per student (30)

Distribute noodles at pool edge before lesson begins

Alternative: Kickboards, arm bands for additional support if needed

Arm Discs

12-15 items

Place items in shallow area before students enter pool

Alternative: Sinking toys, weighted objects suitable for shallow water

PE Equipment

As per facility requirements

Ensure all safety equipment is accessible and checked

Alternative: Reaching aids, emergency equipment

Key Vocabulary

Float

To stay on the surface of the water without sinking

Star shape

Floating position with arms and legs spread wide like a starfish

Squeeze muscles

Tighten core and stomach muscles to help maintain body position

Lift hips

Raise the middle part of your body towards the water surface

Regain feet

Moving from floating position back to standing safely

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic water confidence and movement
Ability to submerge face and blow bubbles
Understanding of safe pool behaviour and listening skills

Current Skills

Developing floating technique on front and back
Learning to control body position through muscle tension
Practising regaining standing position from floating

Next Steps

Combining floating with basic propulsion movements
Extended floating activities and sequences
Introduction to basic swimming strokes from floating position

Milestone Indicators

Maintains horizontal body position for 3+ seconds

Shows relaxed breathing while floating

Demonstrates smooth transition between floating positions

Key Teaching Points

Hip lift is the secret to successful floating - emphasise constantly
Muscle engagement (squeeze tummy) provides body control and stability
Wide star shapes create stability and confidence in floating
Partner work builds trust and provides essential safety support
Head position affects floating - back floating requires ears in water
Safe pool entry and exit are as important as the swimming skills
Building confidence through progressive challenges and support

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'I need to hold my breath to float' - Correction: Normal breathing helps relaxation and floating
Misconception: 'Big movements help me float better' - Correction: Controlled, small adjustments are more effective
Misconception: 'Front floating is harder than back floating' - Correction: Both use same principles, just different comfort levels
Misconception: 'I need to kick to stay up' - Correction: Proper body position allows natural floating without kicking
Misconception: 'The deeper water will make floating easier' - Correction: Floating technique works in any depth

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear physical boundaries in pool, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Extra time for skill development, simplified instructions, additional physical support for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, quiet area available, visual schedule of activities, predictable partner pairings

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of water position, tactile guidance for body positioning, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of techniques, clear visual signals for activities, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted floating positions, additional buoyancy aids, modified entry/exit techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting during activities, timing challenges, measuring floating duration

Science

Understanding buoyancy, forces in water, how body position affects floating

PSHE

Personal safety awareness, cooperation and trust in partner work, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around pool edge to maintain visual contact with all students, enter water if needed for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for proper hip lift, muscle engagement, and confident floating positions

Intervention Points

Step in if students show distress, incorrect technique affecting safety, or partner issues

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show proper technique, demonstrate from in water when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Lift those hips up high!'
•'Squeeze your tummy muscles!'
•'Make yourself wide like a star!'
•'Head back, ears in the water!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with shallow area suitable for Year 1 students (ideally 0.8-1.2m depth)

Surface Check

Pool water quality checked, appropriate temperature (29-30°C), clear visibility to bottom

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Pool noodles checked for damage or sharp edges
•Diving discs suitable for shallow water use
•Emergency equipment accessible and checked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning - constant supervision required
•Slips on pool surround - wet surfaces
•Collision between students during activities
•Panic or distress in water

Risk Mitigation

•Qualified swimming instructor present at all times
•Maximum class size appropriate for pool and supervision
•Clear pool entry/exit procedures established
•Students work within comfort zones with progressive challenges
•Emergency action plan known by all staff

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight of all students at all times
•Monitor closely during floating activities
•Particular attention during partner work
•Immediate response capability for any distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity, assess situation, provide immediate assistance, follow pool emergency protocols