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Lesson 5 - Rescue Skills Overview

Life-Saving Skills

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Year 9

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Water Safety

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1h 9min

Big Question

How can advanced swimming skills and rescue techniques help save lives in emergency situations?

Learning Objectives

Complete 200m continuous swimming in clothing to understand survival swimming conditions
Master reaching rescue techniques with clear instruction giving to aid casualty communication
Develop surface diving skills and object recovery to assist in underwater rescue scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate endurance swimming in challenging conditions
Students will execute safe rescue techniques with confidence
Students will understand the physical demands of real-world water emergencies

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimwear

1 set per student (30 sets)

Pre-arranged in changing areas, ensure appropriate sizes available

Alternative: Old PE kit, cotton clothing if specific swim clothing unavailable

Diving Objects

11 items

Scattered across shallow end floor, easily visible colours

Alternative: Pool sinkable toys, diving sticks, rubber discs

Sun Markers

6-8 markers

Mark 200m course clearly, separate deep/shallow areas

Alternative: Floating cones, lane ropes

Stopwatch

4-6 timers

Distributed to assessment helpers around pool perimeter

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, poolside clock with second hand

Science Videos

6-8 items

Positioned at pool edge for easy access during rescue practice

Alternative: Pool noodles, kickboards, reaching poles

Key Vocabulary

Surface diving

Diving down from the water surface to retrieve objects or reach the pool bottom

Object recovery

Safely retrieving items from underwater using controlled diving techniques

Unconscious casualty

A person who is unresponsive and may be face-down in water requiring immediate assistance

Continuous swimming

Swimming without stopping or touching the pool sides, maintaining forward momentum

Casualty turning

Safely rotating an unconscious person from face-down to face-up position

Reaching rescue

Using pool equipment or body position to reach a casualty without entering water

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic front crawl and backstroke technique
Treading water for 2+ minutes
Understanding of water safety principles
Basic floating and sculling skills

Current Skills

Endurance swimming in adverse conditions
Advanced rescue techniques and communication
Surface diving and underwater recovery
Casualty assessment and positioning

Next Steps

Advanced lifesaving qualifications
Emergency action plan development
Team rescue coordination
Open water safety awareness

Milestone Indicators

Maintains stroke technique under fatigue

Communicates clearly during high-stress scenarios

Demonstrates calm decision-making in emergency simulations

Key Teaching Points

Safety must never be compromised for speed or performance in rescue scenarios
Clothing significantly impacts swimming efficiency requiring technique adaptation
Surface diving requires controlled breathing and calm underwater movement
Reaching rescue prioritises rescuer safety while providing effective casualty assistance
Team coordination improves rescue effectiveness but requires clear communication
Endurance swimming builds real-world survival capabilities beyond fitness benefits
Casualty turning demands careful head and neck support throughout the procedure

Common Misconceptions

Swimming in clothing will pull you underwater - correction: clothing creates drag but doesn't cause sinking
Hyperventilation before surface diving is safe - correction: this can cause shallow water blackout
Reaching rescue is only for weak swimmers - correction: it's the safest rescue method for most situations
Speed is most important in rescue scenarios - correction: safety and technique prevent creating additional casualties
200m swimming should be completed as fast as possible - correction: sustainable pacing develops real endurance
Rescue techniques work the same in all water conditions - correction: technique must adapt to environment and circumstances

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include regular movement breaks during instruction periods, provide clear physical boundaries for activity areas, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Break down complex rescue techniques into smaller steps, provide additional practice time for skill development, use larger equipment for easier manipulation

autism spectrum

Provide clear structured routine for lesson progression, offer quiet preparation time before challenging activities, use visual schedules for activity sequence

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured diving objects, provide detailed verbal descriptions of pool layout, assign buddies for orientation support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for instruction communication, provide written safety cards, ensure face-to-face communication during rescue practice

physical disability

Adapt distance requirements based on individual capability, provide flotation assistance if needed, modify rescue techniques for accessibility

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding drag forces in water, effects of clothing on buoyancy, respiratory system responses to exercise

Geography

Water safety awareness in different environments, coastal and inland water hazards, global drowning statistics

Mathematics

Distance calculation for 200m swimming, timing analysis and pacing strategies, statistical analysis of rescue success rates

PSHE

Personal responsibility in emergency situations, leadership during crisis scenarios, building resilience and confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Maintain position allowing visibility of all students, particularly during endurance swimming and surface diving activities

Observation Focus

Monitor stroke technique deterioration under fatigue, watch for signs of panic during rescue scenarios

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if safety protocols not followed or if students exceed comfortable capability levels

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all rescue techniques personally, emphasise safety aspects repeatedly, model calm decision-making under pressure

Verbal Cues

•'Maintain your rhythm, technique over speed'
•'Safety first, then rescue technique'
•'Support your head and neck throughout the turn'
•'Clear instructions help your casualty stay calm'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full swimming pool with shallow end (1.2m-1.5m) and deeper areas (2m+) for progressive skill development

Surface Check

Pool water clarity excellent for underwater visibility, appropriate water temperature for extended activity

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All diving objects checked for smooth edges and appropriate weight
•Reaching aids inspected for structural integrity
•Clothing items checked for appropriate fit and no loose elements

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning risk during endurance swimming and surface diving
•Exhaustion from clothed swimming challenges
•Panic during surface diving or rescue scenarios
•Collision risks during team activities

Risk Mitigation

•Constant qualified supervision with rescue equipment immediately available
•Progressive skill building from shallow to deeper water activities
•Clear boundaries and depth restrictions communicated
•Emergency action plan reviewed with all staff before lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Primary supervisor maintains overview of entire pool area
•Additional staff positioned at key activity zones
•Emergency rescue equipment positioned at multiple pool locations

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess casualty condition, implement appropriate rescue technique, summon additional help if required