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Lesson 8 - Advanced Water Rescue Skills

Life-Saving Skills

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Year 9

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Water Safety

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Big Question

How can advanced water rescue techniques save lives in emergency situations?

Learning Objectives

Master 3-minute treading water whilst wearing clothing
Execute safe clothing removal techniques in water
Perform effective swim and tow rescue using sidestroke
Demonstrate stable J dock rescue position for 30 seconds
Execute advanced rope rescue techniques over 10m distance

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently tread water for 3 minutes while clothed
Students will safely remove clothing whilst maintaining buoyancy
Students will rescue and tow a casualty using sidestroke over 20m
Students will maintain J dock position for extended periods
Students will accurately deploy rope rescue over distance

Equipment & Resources Required

Pool Access

Full pool facility

Ensure clear water, appropriate temperature, lifeguard present

Alternative: Deep water section minimum 2m depth

Box Tops

1 set per student

Pre-positioned at pool edge, students wear over swimwear

Alternative: Old tracksuit bottoms and t-shirts

Visual Aids

1 per 2-3 students

Floating aids distributed around pool perimeter

Alternative: Pool noodles or rescue tubes

Ropes

3.5 ropes, 10m+ length each

Pre-coiled and positioned at pool deck stations

Alternative: Throwing lines or pool safety ropes

Stopwatch

2-3 timers

Visible timing displays for treading water challenges

Alternative: Phone timers or pool deck clock

Key Vocabulary

Treading water

Maintaining position in water by moving arms and legs without touching bottom

Clothing removal

Safely removing garments whilst maintaining buoyancy in emergency situations

Swim and tow

Rescuing a casualty by swimming whilst pulling or pushing them to safety

J dock position

Rescue position where rescuer forms J-shape to secure casualty at poolside

Sidestroke

Swimming stroke performed on side, ideal for towing as keeps head up and one arm free

Rope rescue

Using rope to rescue casualties from distance without entering water

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic treading water for 1-2 minutes
Fundamental sidestroke technique
Basic rescue positioning
Elementary rope handling

Current Skills

Extended treading water endurance
Clothing removal safety techniques
Advanced towing methods
Specialised rescue positions
Long-distance rope rescue

Next Steps

Open water rescue scenarios
Multi-casualty rescue coordination
Professional lifeguard techniques
Emergency response protocols

Milestone Indicators

Maintains calm during extended treading water

Demonstrates smooth clothing removal without panic

Shows consistent towing rhythm and control

Exhibits stable rescue positioning

Displays accurate rope deployment skills

Key Teaching Points

Safety and technique always take priority over speed or competition
Energy conservation is critical for real rescue scenarios
Clear communication between rescuer and casualty prevents panic
Consistent practice builds confidence that could save lives
Every rescue skill learned increases water safety for self and others
Progressive skill building from basic to advanced techniques
Real-world application makes every lesson meaningful

Common Misconceptions

Swimming faster means better rescue - actually, controlled steady pace is more effective
Rescue is about strength - technique and calmness are far more important
Only strong swimmers can rescue others - proper technique allows anyone to help
Clothing always makes swimming impossible - correct technique allows swimming in clothing
Rope rescue is only for professionals - basic rope rescue can be learned by anyone
Treading water requires constant movement - efficient technique uses minimal energy

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear objectives, immediate feedback and encouragement, movement breaks between skills

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for technique development, simplified movement patterns, additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, advance warning of activity changes, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Buddy system for all activities, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, tactile guidance for positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modified treading water techniques, adapted towing methods, alternative rope rescue positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Timing calculations, distance measurements, percentage improvements in endurance

Science

Human body response to cold water, physics of buoyancy and drag, cardiovascular system during exercise

Geography

Water safety around different geographical features, tides and currents, rescue service locations

PSHE

Personal responsibility for safety, helping others in emergencies, building resilience and confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position for clear view of all students, especially during deep water activities

Observation Focus

Monitor technique quality, fatigue levels, safety compliance, and peer cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if safety compromised, technique breaks down, or students show distress

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate in water to show realistic technique, emphasise safety throughout, model calm confidence

Verbal Cues

•'Stay calm and controlled'
•'Technique first, speed second'
•'Help your partner succeed'
•'Safety never compromises'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full swimming pool facility with deep water section minimum 2m depth

Surface Check

Pool water clarity good, temperature appropriate, all safety equipment accessible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all clothing appropriate for water activities
•Ensure rescue ropes in good condition with no fraying
•Verify rescue aids properly inflated and secure
•Confirm stopwatches waterproof and functioning

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning during extended treading water
•Panic during clothing removal
•Exhaustion during towing activities
•Injury from rope throwing
•Hypothermia from extended water exposure

Risk Mitigation

•Qualified lifeguard present throughout lesson
•Progressive skill building with adequate rest
•Clear safety signals and emergency procedures
•Continuous monitoring of student fatigue levels
•Immediate access to pool edge and exit points

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Lifeguard positioned for optimal pool coverage
•Teacher actively monitoring high-risk activities
•Additional staff supervision during complex skills
•Emergency equipment readily accessible

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, implement appropriate rescue response, summon additional help if needed