Lesson 5 - Submerging and Confidence Building
Foundations & Water Confidence
•Year 2
•Swimming
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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
Distributed around pool area for easy access during partner work
Alternative: Foam floats, kickboards for under/over activities
Available for students needing additional buoyancy support
Alternative: Water wings, foam floats
For students requiring maximum water confidence support
Alternative: Floating vest, additional arm discs
Key Vocabulary
Going completely under the water with your whole body
Taking a big breath in and holding it before going underwater
Using arms and core strength to lift body out of water
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
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