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Lesson 4 - Straddle Entry and Clothed Swimming

Life-Saving Skills

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Year 9

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Water Safety

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1h 2min

Big Question

How can mastering safe water entry and clothed swimming techniques save lives in emergency situations?

Learning Objectives

Learn and demonstrate safe straddle entry technique for deep water access
Develop continuous swimming ability while wearing clothing to understand real-world challenges
Build extended treading water skills up to 2 minutes with emergency signalling

Key Outcomes

Students will perform a controlled straddle entry maintaining body position and safety
Students will swim continuously for extended distances while wearing clothing
Students will demonstrate 2-minute treading water with clear emergency signals
Students will understand the physical challenges of swimming in emergency clothing situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

1 full facility

Ensure lifeguard present, clear deep water boundaries marked

Alternative: Open water supervised area

Stump Sets

1 set per student (30 sets)

Pre-distributed, students change into before water entry

Alternative: Lightweight cotton clothing, old sports kit

Stopwatch

2-3 devices

Waterproof or poolside positioned for visibility

Alternative: Pool clock, mobile phone timer

PE Equipment

Standard pool safety kit

Positioned around pool edge, easily accessible

Alternative: Reach poles, flotation devices, first aid kit

Step Platforms

Pool edge or designated area

Non-slip surface, adequate depth for safe entry

Alternative: Shallow end for initial practice

Key Vocabulary

Straddle Entry

A safe method of entering deep water by stepping off the edge with legs apart, maintaining vertical position

Continuous Swimming

Swimming without stopping for extended distances, maintaining rhythm and breathing pattern

Clothing Resistance

The additional drag and weight created by clothing when swimming, affecting speed and technique

Emergency Signalling

Using voice and arm movements to attract attention when in distress in water

Extended Treading

Maintaining position in water using leg and arm movements for longer periods (1-2+ minutes)

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Confident swimming in normal swimwear over 100m
Basic treading water skills for 30-60 seconds
Understanding of pool safety rules and deep water awareness
Experience with different swimming strokes and breathing techniques

Current Skills

Safe straddle entry technique for emergency situations
Swimming performance adaptation when wearing clothing
Extended treading water with emergency signalling
Understanding clothing resistance and its impact on swimming

Next Steps

Advanced water entry techniques from height
Swimming in heavier clothing or with objects
Extended survival swimming techniques
Rescue swimming and helping others in distress

Milestone Indicators

Vertical body position maintained during straddle entry

Stroke adaptation visible when swimming in clothing

Sustained treading water without panic or exhaustion

Clear and audible emergency signals while maintaining position

Key Teaching Points

Safety must always be the absolute priority in all water activities
Straddle entry requires wide leg position maintained throughout descent for stability
Clothing significantly increases swimming effort - pace must be adjusted accordingly
Energy conservation during treading water extends endurance and maintains safety
Emergency signalling must be clear, loud, and visible from distance
Progressive skill building prevents overwhelm and maintains confidence
Continuous monitoring for fatigue and stress essential for safety

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Swimming in clothes is just slightly harder' - Reality: Clothing dramatically increases resistance and effort required
Misconception: 'Straddle entry is just stepping off the edge' - Reality: Requires specific body position and control for safety
Misconception: 'Treading water is about working hard' - Reality: Efficiency and energy conservation are key to endurance
Misconception: 'Emergency signalling just needs to be visible' - Reality: Must be loud, clear, and repeated regularly
Misconception: 'Water safety skills aren't needed for confident swimmers' - Reality: Emergency situations change everything, clothing and panic dramatically affect ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear activity boundaries, regular positive feedback, break activities into shorter segments, physical movement opportunities between skills

dyspraxia

Extended practice time for skill development, simplified instruction sequences, additional demonstration and guidance, celebration of effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Clear predictable routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Enhanced verbal descriptions of water entry technique, tactile guidance for body positioning, buddy system for poolside navigation, clear audible signals for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations repeated multiple times, clear hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders available, visual timing cues

physical disability

Modified entry techniques from pool steps or ramp access, flotation aids if appropriate, adapted treading water positions, personalised safety plans

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Timing and measurement of swimming distances, calculating pace and endurance improvements, statistical analysis of performance data

Science

Forces and resistance in water, effects of clothing on buoyancy and drag, human body response to exercise and cold water exposure

Geography

Understanding water environments, coastal and inland water safety awareness, environmental factors affecting water conditions

PSHE

Personal safety awareness, risk assessment skills, resilience and perseverance during challenges, supporting others in difficulty

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around pool perimeter for maximum visibility, position at pool corner during demonstrations for all-student sight lines

Observation Focus

Watch for fatigue signs, monitor technique adaptation to clothing, assess confidence levels during deep water activities

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for any safety concerns, provide encouragement during challenging activities, offer technique modifications for struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow movements for straddle entry demo, exaggerate key body positions for visibility, repeat demonstrations as needed for understanding

Verbal Cues

•'Wide legs for stability!'
•'Gentle movements conserve energy!'
•'Breathe normally and stay calm!'
•'Safety first, technique second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Pool facility with deep water access minimum 2m depth, clear entry points, emergency exits accessible

Surface Check

Pool water quality checked, no debris, appropriate temperature for extended activity in clothing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All clothing appropriate for water use - no heavy materials or restrictive items
•Safety equipment positioned around pool perimeter
•Timing devices waterproof or safely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning risk increased with clothing resistance
•Hypothermia from extended water exposure in clothing
•Exhaustion from increased effort requirements
•Panic reactions to clothing effects on swimming

Risk Mitigation

•Qualified lifeguard present throughout lesson
•Progressive skill development from shallow to deep water
•Continuous monitoring of student fatigue and stress levels
•Clear exit procedures and rest opportunities
•Emergency equipment immediately accessible

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Enhanced supervision during deep water activities
•Individual monitoring during straddle entry attempts
•Constant observation during extended treading water
•Quick response capability for any distress signs

Emergency Procedures

Immediate water exit for any distress, emergency flotation available, first aid qualified staff present, clear emergency contact procedures