Lesson 2 - Safe Pool Entry and Movement
Water Confidence & Play Skills
•Year 1
•Swimming
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How can we move confidently and safely in the water while developing our swimming skills?
Learning Objectives
- To safely enter and exit the pool using proper techniques
- To develop confidence and movement skills in shallow water
- To explore different ways of moving whilst maintaining contact with the pool wall
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate safe ladder entry and exit techniques
- Students will show increased confidence when moving away from the pool wall
- Students will perform a variety of movements in water whilst maintaining balance
Equipment & Resources Required
Water depth should allow all students to stand comfortably
Alternative: Teaching pool or learner pool
Ensure ladder is secure and non-slip
Alternative: Ramp entry if available
Available for students who need additional confidence support
Alternative: Pool noodles, kick boards
For students requiring additional buoyancy support
Alternative: Swim vest, armbands
Ensure water temperature is appropriate (29-30°C for beginners)
Alternative: Digital pool temperature display
Key Vocabulary
The safe method of getting into the pool using the steps, facing backwards
The side of the swimming pool that students can hold onto for support
Moving along the wall by moving one hand at a time whilst maintaining grip
Feeling safe and secure whilst moving in the water
Maintaining stability whilst standing or moving in the water
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of water safety rules
- Familiarity with changing room procedures
- Ability to follow simple instructions
Current Skills
- Safe pool entry and exit techniques
- Confidence building in shallow water
- Basic movement patterns whilst in contact with pool edge
Next Steps
- Submersion activities and breath control
- Floating with support
- Independent movement in shallow water
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always face backward when using pool ladder for entry and exit
- Maintain two-hand contact with pool wall or ladder for safety
- Build confidence gradually - never force students away from wall support
- Celebrate courage and effort over perfect technique
- Use familiar songs and games to reduce anxiety in water environment
- Ensure all students can comfortably touch the pool floor throughout lesson
- Model positive risk-taking and growth mindset language
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think facing forward on ladder is safer (actually increases fall risk)
- Some believe they need to let go of wall completely to make progress (gradual progression is better)
- Students might think splashing harder shows more confidence (controlled movements demonstrate better water skills)
- Some may believe they can't participate without being 'good swimmers' (all activities designed for beginners)
- Students may think moving fast in water is always better (slow, controlled movements build better foundation skills)
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive reinforcement, allow for fidgeting within safety parameters
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, offer additional support during coordination activities
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine and structure, give advance warning of activity changes, offer quiet space if pool environment becomes overwhelming
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal descriptions of pool layout, provide tactile guidance for ladder use, ensure consistent voice positioning for instructions
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, simple hand signals for instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading
physical disability
- Adapt entry/exit methods as needed, provide additional flotation support, modify movements within individual capabilities
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting steps, measuring distances, spatial awareness, timing activities
Science
Forces in water, floating and sinking, properties of water, body temperature regulation
Geography
Direction and movement, spatial awareness, mapping pool layout
PSHE
Personal safety, building confidence, overcoming fears, cooperation and communication
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around pool perimeter to maintain visual contact with all students, position centrally during group activities
Observation Focus
Monitor confidence levels, safety technique, water temperature comfort, signs of fatigue or anxiety
Intervention Points
Step in if students show unsafe ladder technique, provide encouragement for anxious students, offer flotation aids as needed
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always model safety procedures clearly, use slow, exaggerated movements for visibility, maintain positive energy to build confidence
Verbal Cues
- •'Face away from the water when using the ladder!'
- •'Two hands on the rails - that's perfect!'
- •'Take your time - safety first!'
- •'Great courage trying something new!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Swimming pool with shallow end (maximum depth 1.2m), clear pool surround, accessible ladder/steps
Surface Check
Pool floor non-slip, ladder secure, poolside clear of obstacles, appropriate water temperature (29-30°C)
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check ladder stability and handrails
- •Ensure flotation aids are in good condition
- •Verify pool depth markers are visible
- •Confirm emergency equipment is accessible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Slips on wet surfaces
- •Unsafe ladder use
- •Loss of balance when moving away from wall
- •Panic or anxiety in water environment
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise backward-facing ladder technique
- •Maintain constant supervision with clear sight lines
- •Encourage gradual progression away from wall support
- •Provide flotation aids for anxious students
- •Ensure all students can touch pool floor throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during entry/exit
- •Move around pool perimeter during wall activities
- •Stand centrally during open water movement activities
- •Maintain proximity to less confident swimmers
Emergency Procedures
Know location of emergency equipment, have clear communication with pool staff, established procedures for evacuation if needed