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Lesson 5 - Submerging and Confidence Building

Foundations & Water Confidence

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Year 2

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Swimming

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38 min

Big Question

How can we build confidence when putting our whole body underwater?

Learning Objectives

To develop confidence when submerging completely underwater
To practise controlled submersion and safe return to standing
To explore different underwater movements and actions

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently submerge their whole body underwater
Students will demonstrate controlled breathing before submersion
Students will perform various underwater movements safely

Equipment & Resources Required

Foam Noodles

Distributed around pool area for easy access during partner work

Alternative: Foam floats, kickboards for under/over activities

Arm Discs

Class set (optional)

Available for students needing additional buoyancy support

Alternative: Water wings, foam floats

Tag Belts

1-2 (optional)

For students requiring maximum water confidence support

Alternative: Floating vest, additional arm discs

Key Vocabulary

Submerging

Going completely under the water with your whole body

Breathing technique

Taking a big breath in and holding it before going underwater

Pool edge exit

Using arms and core strength to lift body out of water

Partner cooperation

Working together safely to help each other learn

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can enter the pool safely using various methods
Students are comfortable with water on their face
Students can blow bubbles with mouth in water

Current Skills

Full head and body submersion techniques
Controlled breathing for underwater activities
Partner cooperation during water activities

Next Steps

Extended underwater movements and exploration
Swimming strokes with regular breathing patterns
Diving and jumping entries

Milestone Indicators

Confident full body submersion without support

Ability to perform tasks whilst completely underwater

Demonstrates proper breathing preparation

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise breathing preparation before any submersion activity
Build confidence gradually through progressive submersion techniques
Maintain constant visual supervision during all underwater activities
Encourage partner cooperation and mutual support throughout
Celebrate individual achievements to build water confidence
Ensure proper pool exit technique to prevent fatigue and maintain safety
Use positive language to support students overcoming water anxiety

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you need to hold breath for long periods underwater - correct: take big breath but surface when comfortable
Believing you must submerge quickly to be successful - correct: slow, controlled submersion is safer and more effective
Assuming everyone learns at same pace - correct: individuals develop water confidence at different rates
Thinking swimming aids show weakness - correct: aids help build confidence and are tools for learning
Believing underwater activities are dangerous - correct: proper technique and supervision make activities safe and fun

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity segments, clear boundaries for movement, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination activities, simplified partner tasks, additional support for pool exit technique

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, advance warning of submersion activities, quiet area available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use verbal cues for all activities, ensure physical guidance for pool exit, describe underwater movements clearly before demonstration

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations essential, use hand signals for underwater activities, written instructions for complex activities

physical disability

Provide additional buoyancy aids, allow seated pool entry if needed, modify exit technique using ladder or assistance

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting seconds for breath holding, measuring submersion depth, timing underwater activities

Science

Breathing and lung capacity, understanding buoyancy and water properties, exploring underwater pressure effects

Geography

Understanding underwater environments, exploring aquatic habitats, water cycle connections

PSHE

Building confidence and resilience, partner cooperation and communication, overcoming fears and anxiety

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively around pool perimeter maintaining visual contact with all students, position in water when demonstrating submersion techniques

Observation Focus

Monitor breathing preparation, submersion confidence, partner cooperation, and overall water safety

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if student shows anxiety, provide individual support for submersion technique, assist with partner activity challenges

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate submersion techniques clearly above water first, show breathing preparation obviously, model confident underwater movement

Verbal Cues

•'Big breath first!'
•'Down slowly, up safely!'
•'Help your partner succeed!'
•'Underwater explorers are brave and careful!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with shallow area where all students can stand comfortably, clear pool entry and exit points

Surface Check

Pool water clarity adequate for supervision, pool edges clear of hazards, non-slip surfaces around pool area

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Pool noodles checked for tears or sharp edges
•Swimming aids properly fitted if used
•All equipment accounted for before and after lesson

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Submersion panic or anxiety
•Inadequate breathing preparation leading to distress
•Collision during partner activities
•Difficulty with pool exit causing fatigue

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive submersion building confidence gradually
•Constant supervision and immediate assistance available
•Clear breathing instructions before all underwater activities
•Adequate spacing during all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight of all students during submersion
•Move actively around pool area during activities
•Immediate access to pool for emergency assistance

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if student shows distress, provide immediate support for water confidence issues, have emergency equipment readily available