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Lesson 4 - Water Confidence & Submersion

Water Confidence & Play Skills

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Year 1

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Swimming

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49 min

Big Question

How can we safely explore underwater breathing and moving in different ways?

Learning Objectives

To develop confidence to submerge in the water safely
To practice regaining feet after submersion
To explore different breathing techniques in water

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate safe water entry and exit techniques
Students will show increased confidence when submerging in shallow water
Students will practice controlled breathing techniques for water activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

Teaching area marked

Water depth approximately waist to chest height for students

Alternative: Shallow end of main pool

SAQ Ladders

1 for entry/exit

Check ladder is secure and non-slip

Alternative: Pool edge steps

Arm Discs

1 pair per student if needed

Keep poolside for students who need additional support

Alternative: Float bands or armbands

Tag Belts

1 per student if needed

Available for students requiring extra buoyancy support

Alternative: Float jacket or kickboard

Key Vocabulary

Submerge

To go under the water surface completely or partially

Regaining feet

Getting back to a standing position from floating or submerged position

Blowing bubbles

Exhaling air through mouth or nose when face is in water

Tuck shape

Body position with knees pulled up toward chest

Horizontal position

Body lying flat, parallel to water surface

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic water confidence from previous lessons
Understanding of pool safety rules
Experience with pool entry via ladder

Current Skills

Controlled submersion techniques
Breathing control in water
Body position awareness in water

Next Steps

Extended underwater breathing
Basic floating positions
Introduction to propulsive movements

Milestone Indicators

Confident face submersion without distress

Controlled breathing when face is in water

Ability to regain standing position independently

Key Teaching Points

Safety is always the priority - maintain wall contact during submersion activities
Progressive skill development - each student advances at their own pace
Positive reinforcement builds water confidence more than technique correction
Breathing control is fundamental - always emphasise blowing bubbles underwater
Individual differences in confidence should be celebrated, not compared
Pool entry and exit techniques are as important as water skills
Games provide natural opportunities to apply new skills in enjoyable contexts

Common Misconceptions

All students should achieve the same skill level in one lesson - actually, individual progression varies significantly
Holding breath underwater is safer - actually, continuous gentle exhalation prevents water inhalation
Students need to be pushed to overcome fears - actually, gentle encouragement and choice build lasting confidence
Swimming aids prevent skill development - actually, they can provide necessary confidence for some students
Water games are just for fun - actually, they provide essential skill application in enjoyable contexts

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks

autism spectrum

Provide clear activity sequence, allow extra time for transitions, offer quiet spaces if overwhelmed

anxiety disorders

Allow gradual progression, never force participation, provide constant reassurance and support

visual impairment

Provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, use tactile guidance for hand positions, ensure safe buddy system

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, clear hand signals for instructions, written activity cards if needed

physical disability

Adapt entry/exit methods, provide additional flotation support, modify activities for individual physical capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, describing experiences, learning new vocabulary

Maths

Counting breaths, timing submersion, measuring pool distances

Science

Understanding floating, sinking, and buoyancy principles; air pressure and breathing

PSHE

Building courage and resilience, supporting others, overcoming fears

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around pool perimeter maintaining visual contact with all students, ready to enter water if needed

Observation Focus

Watch for signs of panic, confidence levels, skill progression, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if students show distress, unsafe behaviour, or need individual support

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with calm confidence, show techniques multiple times, emphasise safety aspects

Verbal Cues

•'Take your time, there's no rush'
•'Remember to blow bubbles'
•'Keep holding the wall for safety'
•'You're doing brilliantly!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Teaching pool area with water depth waist to chest height for students

Surface Check

Non-slip pool surfaces, clear pool water, appropriate temperature

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Pool ladder secure and stable for safe entry/exit
•Optional flotation aids checked for proper inflation and condition
•Pool edges clear of obstacles and slippery items

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Submersion panic or water inhalation
•Slips during pool entry/exit
•Collision with pool walls or other students
•Loss of footing during activities

Risk Mitigation

•Constant visual supervision with immediate intervention capability
•Progressive skill building from basic to advanced submersion
•Wall contact maintained during all submersion activities
•Clear, repeated safety instructions for pool entry/exit

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students at all times
•Ready to provide immediate physical support if needed
•Monitor individual stress levels and confidence

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assist student to safety, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain calm and safe