🛟

Lesson 3 - Reach and Rescue Techniques

Life-Saving Skills

•

Year 9

•

Water Safety

•

1h 21min

Big Question

How can you save someone's life in water without putting yourself at risk?

Learning Objectives

Master reach and rescue techniques safely and effectively
Demonstrate rope rescue skills over distances of 5 metres or more
Develop confidence in deep water climbing out techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will perform reach rescues to casualties 2-5 metres away
Students will execute rope rescue techniques with accuracy and safety
Students will demonstrate safe deep water exit methods

Equipment & Resources Required

Pool Access

Deep and shallow areas

Ensure lifeguard supervision and emergency equipment accessible

Alternative: Open water with safe access points

T-shirts

1 per student

Distribute before pool entry, explain clothing adds realism to rescue scenarios

Alternative: Light clothing or rash vests

Ropes

4-6 poles

Position around pool perimeter, check for secure grip areas

Alternative: Pool noodles, shepherds crooks, extending aids

Rope

6 x 5-metre lengths

Pre-coiled and ready, check for fraying or damage

Alternative: Pool rescue lines, ski ropes

Visual Aids

11 items

Various sizes available for throwing practice

Alternative: Pool floats, kickboards, empty bottles

Whistles

1 for teacher

For emergency stops and attention signals

Alternative: Voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Reach rescue

A rescue technique where you use an object to extend your reach to help someone without entering the water

Rope rescue

Using a rope to assist someone in difficulty, either by throwing it to them or using it for towing

Coiling

The technique of organising rope in neat loops to prevent tangling and enable accurate throwing

Towing

Pulling or guiding a casualty through the water using a rope or aid

Casualty instruction

Clear, calm verbal guidance given to someone in difficulty to help them help themselves

Deep water exit

Methods of getting out of water where there are no steps or shallow areas available

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic swimming competency and confidence in water
Understanding of fundamental water safety principles
Experience with treading water and basic floating

Current Skills

Reach rescue techniques using various aids
Rope coiling, throwing and rescue methods
Deep water exit strategies without assistance

Next Steps

Advanced rescue scenarios with multiple casualties
Throw rescue with rings and rescue tubes
Emergency action plans and communication

Milestone Indicators

Maintains safe positioning during rescue attempts

Uses clear, calm communication with casualties

Demonstrates understanding of personal safety priorities

Key Teaching Points

Personal safety must always come first in any rescue scenario
Professional help should be called immediately in real emergencies
Reach rescue is the safest first option for any water emergency
Clear, loud communication is essential for effective casualty instruction
Proper rope coiling prevents tangles and enables accurate throwing
These are emergency skills only - students are not qualified lifeguards
Practice builds confidence but must never replace calling for help

Common Misconceptions

Thinking these skills make them qualified to perform rescues independently
Believing jumping in to help is heroic rather than dangerous
Assuming rescue techniques work the same in all water environments
Not understanding the importance of calling emergency services first
Overestimating their physical abilities in real emergency situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and equipment zones, additional movement breaks if needed

dyspraxia

Simplified equipment handling, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, predictable activity sequence, quiet area available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of all actions, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written safety reminder cards

physical disability

Adapted rescue techniques from seated position, modified equipment for easier handling, emphasis on decision-making skills

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication under pressure, instruction giving, emergency reporting skills

Maths

Distance estimation, angles of throwing, timing and measurement in rescue scenarios

Science

Forces and motion in water, buoyancy principles, physics of throwing projectiles

Geography

Understanding water environments, coastal safety, risk assessment of natural water bodies

PSHE

Personal responsibility, helping others safely, emergency response citizenship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position to maintain visual contact with all students, particularly during deep water activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct safety positioning, effective technique execution, and appropriate decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if safety protocols not followed or if student attempts skills beyond ability level

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques clearly multiple times, emphasise safety positioning in every demonstration, use volunteers to show casualty perspective

Verbal Cues

•'Safety first - stay in position!'
•'Strong clear voice - they need to hear you!'
•'Good coiling makes good throwing!'
•'Remember - you're helping, not rescuing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with both shallow and deep water access, minimum 15m x 8m

Surface Check

Pool deck dry and non-slip, pool water clear with good visibility to bottom

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rescue poles for secure grips and no sharp edges
•Inspect ropes for fraying or damage before use
•Ensure t-shirts fit securely without loose material
•Verify buoyant aids are in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning during rescue practice
•Slips on wet pool deck
•Injuries from rescue equipment
•Overconfidence in rescue abilities

Risk Mitigation

•Qualified lifeguard supervision mandatory throughout
•Clear boundaries between different activity areas
•Progressive skill building from shallow to deep water
•Constant emphasis on personal safety first
•Emergency equipment immediately accessible
•Clear stop signals established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned for visibility of all students
•Additional adult supervision recommended for deep water work
•Clear sightlines maintained throughout lesson
•Emergency communication system available

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop on whistle signal, emergency action plan activated for any water emergency, trained first aid available