🏊

Lesson 3 - Water Confidence and Basic Floating

Foundations & Water Confidence

•

Year 2

•

Swimming

•

35 min

Big Question

How can we move through water safely and confidently without holding on?

Learning Objectives

To develop confidence when travelling in the water independently
To begin to develop basic floating techniques and body position
To understand how water movement can help us travel and move objects

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate confident movement through water without wall support
Students will show emerging floating skills with improved body position
Students will apply water displacement principles to move objects

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

Scattered around teaching area edge for easy access

Alternative: Pool noodles, floating toys, kickboards

Arm Discs

15 pairs (optional)

Available for students needing additional buoyancy support

Alternative: Pool noodles, water wings

Tag Belts

8 (optional)

For students requiring extra support during independent movement

Alternative: Pool noodles around waist

Key Vocabulary

Float

To rest or move on the surface of water without sinking

Buoyancy

The force that helps objects stay up in water

Submerge

To go under the water surface

Horizontal

Body position lying flat like lying in bed

Displacement

Moving water to create movement or make objects move

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can enter and exit the pool safely
Students are comfortable with water around their body
Basic understanding of water safety rules

Current Skills

Developing independent water travel
Introduction to floating concepts
Building confidence away from pool edge

Next Steps

Extended floating and gliding
Introduction to basic swimming strokes
Deeper water confidence

Milestone Indicators

Can move 3 metres without wall support

Maintains horizontal body position for 3 seconds

Shows relaxed, controlled movements in water

Key Teaching Points

Water confidence builds through gradual, supported progression
Independent movement develops from secure anchor point practice
Floating concepts introduced through supported body position work
Water displacement demonstrates scientific principles practically
Safety awareness is paramount throughout all activities
Individual progress varies significantly - celebrate all achievements
Positive water experiences create foundation for future swimming development

Common Misconceptions

Students may think they need to touch objects to move them - reinforce water displacement concept
Belief that floating requires constant movement - teach relaxation and stillness
Fear that letting go of wall means immediate sinking - build confidence gradually
Thinking faster movements are better in water - emphasise control and smoothness
Assumption that all students progress at same rate - individualise expectations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent position changes, immediate feedback

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet area available, predictable activity structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of all activities, tactile guidance for pool edge location

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals established, written instructions on waterproof board

physical disability

Adapted entry/exit methods, additional flotation support, modified movement expectations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Directional language, spatial awareness, counting and collecting, measuring distances

Science

Forces and motion, floating and sinking, water displacement principles, cause and effect

Geography

Water environments, safety around water, understanding currents and water movement

PSHE

Personal safety, building confidence, overcoming fears, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

In water with students, positioned for maximum visibility and quick access to all areas

Observation Focus

Monitor confidence levels, technique development, and safety awareness continuously

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if student shows distress, unsafe behaviour, or significant loss of confidence

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from students' perspective, exaggerate key movements for clarity, maintain safety protocols during demos

Verbal Cues

•'Big steps for balance!'
•'Hold on tight to your anchor!'
•'Push the water, not the object!'
•'Smooth and controlled movements!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with shallow teaching area (depth 0.8-1.2m), secure pool edge access

Surface Check

Clean, non-slip pool deck, clear water visibility, appropriate water temperature (28-30°C)

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All flotation devices checked for damage and appropriate sizing
•Foam balls inspected for cleanliness and integrity
•Pool equipment stored safely away from walkways

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning or submersion incidents
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Collisions between students during movement
•Panic or loss of confidence in water
•Hypothermia from prolonged exposure

Risk Mitigation

•Qualified swimming instructor supervision at all times
•Maximum teacher-to-student ratio of 1:8 maintained
•Clear water depth boundaries established and enforced
•Emergency equipment readily accessible
•Regular headcounts throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Maintain close proximity during independent activities
•Use whistle signals for immediate attention
•Constant scanning of water area

Emergency Procedures

Immediate pool evacuation whistle signal, rescue equipment accessible, first aid qualified staff present, emergency action plan displayed