Lesson 6 - Floating on Front and Back
Foundations & Water Confidence
•Year 2
•Swimming
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Distribute around pool edge within easy reach
Alternative: Kickboards, arm bands for additional support
Scattered in shallow area for treasure hunt
Alternative: Sink toys, weighted hoops
Ensure water temperature 26-28°C for comfort
Alternative: Check with pool staff
Key Vocabulary
Staying on the surface of the water without sinking
Pushing your bottom up towards the surface to help float
Arms and legs spread wide like a starfish
Tightening stomach muscles to help body float better
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
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