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Lesson 5 - Submerging and Confidence Building

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 feel confident and safe when putting our whole body underwater?

Learning Objectives

To develop confidence when submerging underwater
To practise controlled entry and exit from water
To understand safety techniques for breath control underwater

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently submerge their whole body underwater
Students will demonstrate controlled breathing techniques
Students will show improved water confidence through varied submersion activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Noodles

Place around pool edge for easy access during partner work

Alternative: Foam tubes, kickboards for support

Arm Discs

Class set

Available for students needing extra buoyancy support

Alternative: Water wings, foam supports

Tag Belts

Class set

For students requiring additional floating support

Alternative: Foam supports, kickboards

Key Vocabulary

Submerge

To go completely underwater so your whole body is below the surface

Bubble blowing

Breathing out slowly through mouth or nose while underwater to release air

Pool edge

The side or rim of the swimming pool used for support and exit

Breath control

Taking a good breath before going underwater and holding it safely

Star shape

Body position with arms and legs spread wide like points of a star

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic water entry techniques
Face wetting and bubble blowing
Holding breath for short periods
Basic floating with support

Current Skills

Full body submersion with confidence
Controlled breathing techniques
Partner cooperation in water activities
Safe pool entry and exit methods

Next Steps

Opening eyes underwater
Retrieving objects from pool floor
Combining submersion with forward movement
Independent underwater exploration

Milestone Indicators

Submerges completely without hesitation

Maintains calm composure underwater

Demonstrates smooth entry and exit techniques

Shows willingness to try new underwater challenges

Key Teaching Points

Always take a big breath before going underwater - demonstrate and remind consistently
Progress gradually from face-in-water to full submersion - never rush the progression
Maintain wall contact until confident - independence comes with practice
Keep making bubbles underwater - this prevents water entering nose/mouth
Support partners and celebrate everyone's efforts - cooperation builds confidence
Use pool edge safely for entry and exit - proper technique prevents injury
Stay calm and controlled in all underwater movements - panic leads to accidents

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you need to hold your breath completely underwater - actually should blow bubbles gently
Believing you must open eyes underwater immediately - this can come later with confidence
Rushing to surface quickly after submersion - controlled ascent is safer and calmer
Fearing that going underwater is dangerous - with proper technique and supervision it builds confidence
Thinking deeper water is more dangerous than shallow - actually need appropriate depth for safe submersion

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback, movement opportunities built in

dyspraxia

Additional practice time, simplified instructions, increased buoyancy support, focus on gross motor movements

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed, consistent instructor positioning

visual impairment

Use verbal cues extensively, physical guidance for pool edge location, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Buoyancy aids available, modified entry/exit techniques, alternative activities for limited mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting during breath-holding, measuring time underwater, spatial awareness under/over concepts

Science

Understanding how lungs work, why we need air to breathe, properties of water and buoyancy

Music

Rhythm and timing in Head Shoulders Knees and Toes song, listening skills for instructions

PSHE

Building confidence, overcoming fears, cooperation and helping others, personal safety awareness

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

In pool with students, positioned for maximum visibility of all participants, near pool edge for emergency access

Observation Focus

Watch for confidence levels, proper breathing techniques, safe movement patterns, and effective cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if student shows panic, technique breakdown, unsafe behaviour, or needs individual encouragement

Demonstration Notes

All demonstrations performed in water at student level, exaggerated movements for clarity, safety emphasised in every demo

Verbal Cues

•'Big breath first!'
•'Slow and steady!'
•'Keep making bubbles!'
•'Hold your partner's hand if needed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with shallow area suitable for standing (maximum 1.2m depth for Year 1)

Surface Check

Pool floor non-slip, clear of debris, appropriate temperature maintained

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Noodles checked for cracks or sharp edges
•Buoyancy aids properly fitted if used
•All equipment easily accessible around pool perimeter

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning or near-drowning incidents
•Panic during submersion activities
•Slips on wet pool edges
•Collisions during partner activities

Risk Mitigation

•Constant supervision with qualified swimming instructor
•Gradual progression from supported to independent submersion
•Clear boundaries established for all movement activities
•Emergency equipment readily available
•Adult:student ratios maintained as per local guidelines

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Maintain proximity to less confident swimmers
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or distress
•Ensure assistant positioned strategically if available

Emergency Procedures

Immediate pool evacuation procedures known, emergency contact systems tested, first aid equipment accessible, staff CPR certified