🏊

Lesson 1 - Water Confidence and Pool Entry

Foundations & Water Confidence

•

Year 2

•

Swimming

•

35 min

Big Question

How can we move safely and confidently in water while keeping our feet on the pool floor?

Learning Objectives

To develop confidence when entering and moving in the water
To understand and follow pool safety rules and procedures
To explore different ways of moving in shallow water

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently enter and exit the pool using correct ladder technique
Students will demonstrate various movement patterns while maintaining contact with the wall or pool floor
Students will understand and follow basic pool safety rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

Ensure water temperature is appropriate (29-30°C for beginners)

Alternative: Hydrotherapy pool or teaching pool

SAQ Ladders

1-2

Check ladder is secure and non-slip

Alternative: Steps with handrails

Arm Discs

30 pairs

Inflate to appropriate level, check for damage

Alternative: Arm bands or floating devices

Tag Belts

Adjust for student size and swimming ability

Alternative: Foam noodles or kickboards

PE Equipment

As required

Positioned within easy reach of instructor

Alternative: Rescue pole, first aid kit

Key Vocabulary

Ladder entry

The safe way to get into the pool by facing backwards and holding the handrails

Pool edge

The side of the swimming pool that we can hold onto for support

Shallow water

The part of the pool where you can stand with your feet on the bottom

Buoyancy

The force that helps us float in water

Wall grip

Holding the pool edge securely with both hands for safety

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of following instructions
Ability to listen and respond to teacher guidance
Familiarity with changing clothes for physical activity

Current Skills

Safe pool entry and exit techniques
Moving confidently along the pool wall
Basic water familiarisation and splashing
Following pool safety rules

Next Steps

Moving away from the wall with increasing confidence
Basic floating with support
Introduction to basic arm and leg movements
Water confidence without holding the wall

Milestone Indicators

Enters pool independently using ladder technique

Moves along wall with both hands confidently

Attempts movement away from wall with support

Demonstrates understanding of pool safety rules

Key Teaching Points

Safety is the absolute priority - establish and maintain clear safety rules throughout
Build water confidence gradually - never force students beyond their comfort zone
Demonstrate all techniques clearly before asking students to attempt them
Maintain constant supervision and stay within immediate assistance range
Use positive reinforcement to encourage even small steps of progress
Adapt activities to individual comfort levels while maintaining group engagement
Emphasise proper grip techniques and wall contact for security

Common Misconceptions

Students may think they need to go underwater to be successful - emphasise staying upright
Some may believe swimming requires moving away from wall immediately - stress wall support importance
Students might think faster movement is better - emphasise slow, controlled movements
Some may feel they must complete all activities - stress individual pace and comfort
Students might think buoyancy aids are for 'weak' swimmers - present as helpful tools for everyone

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear structure and boundaries, offer additional praise and encouragement, ensure safety rules are repeated frequently

dyspraxia

Break down movements into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use clear demonstrations, offer physical guidance when needed

autism spectrum

Establish clear routine and expectations, provide visual schedule of activities, allow extra time for transitions, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of pool layout, provide tactile exploration of pool edge, use bright coloured equipment for visibility, ensure teacher voice guidance throughout

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, simple hand signals for instructions, ensure students can see teacher at all times, use written cards for key safety rules

physical disability

Provide additional buoyancy aids, allow seated activities where appropriate, adapt entry/exit procedures as needed, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following verbal instructions, describing feelings and experiences, learning new vocabulary related to swimming and water safety

Maths

Counting steps on ladder, measuring splash distances, timing activities, recognising patterns in movement sequences

Science

Understanding water properties and buoyancy, body movement and coordination, floating and sinking concepts

PSHE

Personal safety awareness, building confidence and self-esteem, working cooperatively in groups, overcoming fears and challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stay in water at shallow end for immediate assistance, position for clear view of all students, move along pool edge during wall activities

Observation Focus

Monitor water confidence levels, check safety compliance, watch for signs of distress or fatigue, observe technique development

Intervention Points

Step in if student shows panic or distress, provide additional support for nervous students, correct unsafe behaviour immediately

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from student's perspective, show movements slowly and clearly, emphasise safety aspects of each technique, use positive body language to encourage confidence

Verbal Cues

•'Hold the wall with both hands'
•'Keep your feet on the floor'
•'Move slowly and stay in control'
•'You're doing great - take your time'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with shallow end suitable for standing (0.8-1.2m depth), adequate poolside space for activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surfaces around pool perimeter, clean pool bottom free from hazards, appropriate water clarity for supervision

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Pool ladder secure and in good condition
•Buoyancy aids checked for damage and properly inflated
•First aid equipment immediately accessible
•Emergency procedures clearly displayed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning or near-drowning incidents
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Collision between students in water
•Hypothermia from cold water
•Panic or anxiety reactions to water

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain constant visual supervision of all students
•Ensure appropriate water temperature (29-30°C)
•Keep class sizes small for better supervision
•Use buoyancy aids for nervous students
•Establish clear boundaries and safety rules
•Have qualified lifeguard or assistant present

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines to all students
•Maintain close proximity during entry/exit
•Monitor students showing signs of distress or fatigue
•Ensure no student is isolated or out of immediate help range

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, signal for assistance, perform appropriate rescue techniques, provide first aid as needed, follow school emergency protocols