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Lesson 6 - Floating on Front and Back

Foundations & Water Confidence

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Year 2

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Swimming

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35 min

Big Question

How can we use our muscles and body position to stay afloat in water like a starfish?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to float on front with correct body position
To master floating on back with proper hip lift technique
To demonstrate safe water entry and exit procedures

Key Outcomes

Students will float confidently on their front and back
Students will understand how muscle tension and body position affect floating
Students will demonstrate improved water confidence and safety awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Noodles

1 per student (30)

Distribute around pool edge within easy reach

Alternative: Kickboards, arm bands for additional support

Arm Discs

8-10 pieces

Scattered in shallow area for treasure hunt

Alternative: Sink toys, weighted hoops

Pool Thermometer

Ensure water temperature 26-28°C for comfort

Alternative: Check with pool staff

Key Vocabulary

Floating

Staying on the surface of the water without sinking

Hip lift

Pushing your bottom up towards the surface to help float

Star shape

Arms and legs spread wide like a starfish

Muscle squeeze

Tightening stomach muscles to help body float better

Submerge

Going under the water surface

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic water confidence and pool safety
Ability to submerge shoulders and chin
Understanding of pool rules and safe behaviour

Current Skills

Floating on front with muscle tension
Floating on back with hip lift
Transitioning between floating positions

Next Steps

Combining floating with basic arm movements
Extended floating with breathing patterns
Introduction to basic swimming strokes

Milestone Indicators

Maintains float for 5+ seconds without support

Demonstrates controlled entry to floating position

Shows understanding of body position principles

Key Teaching Points

Muscle tension and core engagement are essential for effective floating
Hip lift is the key technique for achieving proper floating position
Head position significantly affects body alignment in water
Progressive skill building from supported to independent floating
Partner support builds confidence and creates positive learning environment
Star shape maximises surface area and improves floating stability
Safe pool entry and exit are fundamental water safety skills

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that floating requires constant movement - actually requires stillness and proper position
Believing that bigger people can't float - proper technique works for all body types
Assuming front floating is harder than back floating - both require same principles
Thinking you need to hold your breath - controlled breathing actually helps floating
Believing floating is just natural talent - it's a learnable skill with proper technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular movement between tasks, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Extended practice time, breakdown of complex movements, additional support for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, quiet practice areas available, predictable progression through activities

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of body position, tactile guidance for proper placement, bright pool noodles for visibility

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, buddy system for safety

physical disability

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

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting seconds for floating duration, measuring water depth and temperature

Science

Forces and buoyancy - why objects float or sink in water

Geography

Understanding water safety for different environments - pools, rivers, seas

PSHE

Building confidence, overcoming fears, supporting others in learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

In water with students or on pool deck with clear view of all participants

Observation Focus

Monitor floating technique, confidence levels, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if students show distress, fear, or unsafe behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate on pool deck when possible before water practice

Verbal Cues

•'Squeeze your tummy muscles!'
•'Lift those hips up!'
•'Head back, ears in the water!'
•'Big starfish shape!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with shallow area minimum 1.2m deep, maximum 1.8m deep for beginner floating

Surface Check

Pool water clear and clean, adequate lighting, non-slip surfaces around pool edge

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Pool noodles checked for cracks or damage
•Diving discs counted before and after use
•Pool temperature maintained at 26-28°C for comfort

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning or submersion incidents
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Panic or anxiety in water
•Collisions during games

Risk Mitigation

•Constant supervision with qualified swimming instructor
•Clear pool boundaries and depth markers
•Progressive skill building with support
•Emergency equipment immediately accessible

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students
•Monitor confidence levels continuously
•Be prepared to provide immediate assistance

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate assistance or emergency response as trained