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Lesson 4 - Submerging and Bubble Blowing

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 breath and body position to feel confident underwater?

Learning Objectives

To develop confidence to submerge in water safely
To master controlled breathing techniques while submerged
To demonstrate correct body positioning for water entry and exit

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently submerge their faces and bodies in water
Students will demonstrate proper bubble blowing technique
Students will show improved water confidence and safety awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

Teaching area 10m x 6m minimum

Water depth should allow all students to stand comfortably with heads above water

Alternative: Shallow pool area suitable for standing

Arm Discs

30 pairs (optional)

Have available at pool side for students who need extra confidence

Alternative: Pool noodles, kickboards for nervous swimmers

Tag Belts

30 (optional)

Use only if absolutely necessary for very nervous swimmers

Alternative: Armbands, flotation aids

SAQ Ladders

1-2

Ensure non-slip surfaces and clear entry/exit points

Alternative: Pool steps or ramp access

Key Vocabulary

Submerge

To go completely under the water surface

Bubble blowing

Exhaling air through mouth or nose while underwater to create bubbles

Regaining feet

The technique of returning to a standing position from floating or submerged state

Horizontal position

Body position where the swimmer lies flat, parallel to the water surface

Pool edge grip

Holding the side of the pool with hands for support and safety

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Safe pool entry and exit techniques
Basic water walking and movement
Understanding of pool safety rules

Current Skills

Controlled submersion techniques
Breathing control underwater
Body positioning for floating

Next Steps

Extended breath holding
Independent floating
Basic swimming strokes preparation

Milestone Indicators

Comfortable face submersion

Controlled breathing patterns

Confident movement without wall support

Key Teaching Points

Always maintain visual contact with all students during water activities
Emphasise progressive skill development - don't rush submersion stages
Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in nervous swimmers
Demonstrate all breathing techniques clearly before student practice
Ensure wall contact maintained during all submersion practice
Monitor individual confidence levels and adapt accordingly
Celebrate all progress, regardless of final achievement level

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they must hold their breath above water before submersion - teach normal breathing until submersion
Believing that floating requires physical effort - emphasise relaxation and natural buoyancy
Fear that going underwater means losing control - reinforce that feet stay on bottom throughout lesson
Assumption that bubble blowing is just for fun - explain how it develops breath control for swimming
Thinking that pool exit requires upper body strength only - teach coordinated push and kick technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, frequent positive feedback, designated rest areas if needed

dyspraxia

Extra time for skill practice, simplified movement patterns, focus on one skill element at a time

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet preparation time, consistent routines and familiar teacher

visual impairment

Use verbal descriptions of all movements, provide tactile guidance for hand positioning, bright coloured equipment for visibility

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, simple hand signals for underwater communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted entry/exit methods, specialised flotation equipment, modified expectations based on individual needs

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting bubble streams, timing submersion duration, measuring water depth and distances

Science

Understanding air pressure, buoyancy forces, and how lungs work during breathing exercises

Geography

Learning about water bodies, understanding water safety in different environments

PSHE

Building self-confidence, overcoming fears, supporting and encouraging classmates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Teacher moves around pool edge maintaining visual contact with all students, never turning back on group

Observation Focus

Watch for signs of distress, monitor submersion technique, check confidence levels continuously

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if any student shows distress, provide individual support for nervous swimmers

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate each skill clearly before students attempt, emphasise safety aspects, show breathing patterns visibly

Verbal Cues

•'Take your time, there's no rush'
•'Big breath in before you go under'
•'Feel your feet on the bottom for safety'
•'Beautiful bubbles! You're doing great!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with shallow teaching area minimum 10m x 6m, water depth allowing all students to stand with heads above water

Surface Check

Pool deck non-slip and clear of obstacles, pool water clarity checked for visibility

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Pool ladders and steps checked for stability
•Flotation aids inspected for damage
•Emergency equipment readily accessible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Submersion panic or distress
•Slipping on wet pool deck
•Collision between students during games
•Over-confidence leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive skill introduction with constant teacher oversight
•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Emphasis on wall contact during submersion practice
•Immediate response protocols for any distress

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned for clear view of all students at all times
•Extra attention during submersion activities
•Monitor individual confidence levels continuously

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, ensure student safety, provide reassurance and support, contact first aid if needed