Lesson 1 - Water Confidence and Entry Skills
Water Confidence & Play Skills
•Year 1
•Swimming
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How can we feel safe and confident when we first enter the water?
Learning Objectives
- To develop confidence when entering and moving in the water
- To understand basic pool safety and water movement principles
- To explore different ways of moving in shallow water
Key Outcomes
- Students will safely enter and exit the pool using the ladder
- Students will demonstrate confidence moving along the pool wall
- Students will explore basic water movement using hands and feet
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure water temperature is appropriate (28-30°C for beginners)
Alternative: Teaching pool or shallow hydrotherapy pool
Check ladder is secure with non-slip surfaces
Alternative: Sloped entry or ramp if available
Have various sizes available, check for damage
Alternative: Swim belts, arm discs, or confidence aids
Available for students who need extra support
Alternative: Kickboards or floating aids
Key Vocabulary
The side of the swimming pool where you can hold on for safety
The safe way to get into the pool using the steps
Moving along the wall by placing one hand after the other
The part of the pool where you can stand with feet on the bottom
Making water move by hitting it with hands or feet
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students may have limited or no swimming experience
- Basic understanding of following instructions and safety rules
- Ability to walk and move confidently on land
Current Skills
- Safe water entry and exit techniques
- Basic water confidence and comfort
- Simple water movement patterns
- Understanding pool safety rules
Next Steps
- Developing floating positions
- Basic arm and leg actions
- Moving independently in shallow water
- Introduction to breathing techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always maintain constant visual supervision of all students in and around water
- Establish and consistently reinforce pool safety rules from the very first lesson
- Build confidence gradually - never force students beyond their comfort zone
- Use positive language and celebrate small achievements to build water confidence
- Ensure all activities remain within students' standing depth for maximum safety
- Demonstrate all techniques clearly before asking students to attempt them
- Be prepared to adapt activities based on individual student needs and confidence levels
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think they need to put their whole face underwater immediately - reassure them this comes later
- Some may believe they must be able to swim to enjoy water activities - emphasise that learning is gradual
- Students might think the deeper end is scary - keep focus on shallow water fun and safety
- Some may worry about getting water in their eyes - show them how to wipe face gently
- Students may think they need to move quickly in water - emphasise slow, controlled movements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and encouragement
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra time for coordination, step-by-step demonstrations
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet areas available, consistent routines and language
visual impairment
- Clear verbal descriptions of pool layout, tactile exploration of pool edge, consistent positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals, written safety rules displayed poolside
physical disability
- Adapted entry methods, additional buoyancy aids, modified movement activities
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting splashes, measuring water depth, understanding numbers on depth markers
Science
Properties of water, floating and sinking, body temperature regulation
Geography
Understanding depth and surface area, spatial awareness in pool environment
PSHE
Building confidence, overcoming fears, following safety rules, supporting classmates
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
In shallow water during activities for immediate support, poolside during discussions for visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for signs of distress, confidence levels, technique development, and safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in if students show distress, move to unsafe areas, or struggle with basic movements
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate from water level where students can clearly see, exaggerate key safety points, use positive body language to build confidence
Verbal Cues
- •'Two hands on the wall at all times'
- •'Feel your feet on the pool bottom'
- •'Take your time, there's no rush'
- •'Well done, you're being very safe'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Access to shallow swimming pool (1.0-1.2m depth maximum)
Surface Check
Pool water clear, appropriate temperature (28-30°C), no debris or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check ladder/steps are secure and have non-slip surfaces
- •Ensure buoyancy aids are correctly fitted and undamaged
- •Verify pool equipment is pool-appropriate and safe
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Drowning - even in shallow water
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Panic or distress in water
- •Collisions between students
- •Hypothermia from cold water
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain constant supervision with qualified swimming instructor
- •Keep all activities in shallow water where students can stand
- •Establish clear boundaries and safety rules
- •Have rescue equipment immediately available
- •Monitor water temperature and student comfort
- •Use appropriate student-to-teacher ratios
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Teacher positioned for clear sight of all students at all times
- •Never leave students unattended near or in water
- •Additional adult support recommended for larger groups
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, secure all students, assess situation, initiate appropriate rescue/first aid, contact emergency services if required