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Lesson 9 - Survival Skills Assessment

Life-Saving Skills

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Year 9

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Water Safety

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Big Question

How can mastering advanced water survival techniques save lives in emergency situations?

Learning Objectives

Complete 400m continuous swimming in under 15 minutes using three different strokes
Demonstrate clothing flotation and HELP position techniques for extended periods
Integrate all rescue skills learned throughout the unit in realistic scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will achieve swimming endurance sufficient for emergency situations
Students will master self-preservation techniques using clothing and body positioning
Students will demonstrate confidence in applying rescue skills under assessment conditions

Equipment & Resources Required

Pool Access

Full swimming pool facility

Pool temperature maintained at 26-28°C for extended activities

Alternative: Deep end access essential for clothing flotation practice

Box Tops

1 set per student (30 sets)

Pre-positioned by pool side, students change before clothing activities

Alternative: Old tracksuits, cotton clothing items

Stopwatch

3-4 timers

Multiple timers for simultaneous swim testing

Alternative: Phone stopwatch, pool clock with second hand

Numbered Papers

1 per student (30 copies)

Waterproof storage, administered in dry area

Alternative: Digital assessment on tablets if available

PE Equipment

6 throw bags, 4 reach poles, 2 rescue boards

Positioned around pool perimeter for scenario access

Alternative: Pool noodles, kickboards for practice

Score Sheets

1 per student practical assessment

Waterproof clipboard or poolside table setup

Alternative: Digital recording device for observations

Key Vocabulary

HELP Position

Heat Escape Lessening Position - body position to minimise heat loss in cold water

Clothing Flotation

Using trapped air in clothing to create buoyancy for survival

Integrated Rescue

Combining multiple rescue techniques in sequence for complex scenarios

Survival Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of water safety knowledge and practical skills

Heat Escape Lessening

Reducing body heat loss through positioning and technique in water survival

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic swimming competency in three strokes
Understanding of rescue breathing techniques
Experience with reach and throw rescue methods
Knowledge of water safety principles

Current Skills

Extended distance swimming under time pressure
Advanced self-preservation using clothing flotation
Integration of all rescue techniques in scenarios
Assessment and evaluation of water safety knowledge

Next Steps

Advanced lifeguarding techniques
Open water swimming preparation
Water safety instructor development
Emergency response leadership

Milestone Indicators

Sustained swimming for 400m distance

Effective use of clothing for survival

Confident decision-making in rescue scenarios

Comprehensive understanding of water safety principles

Key Teaching Points

Endurance swimming requires pacing and technique efficiency over speed
Clothing flotation relies on trapped air - demonstrate proper setup technique
HELP position conserves body heat and energy in survival situations
Rescue scenarios require quick assessment and appropriate method selection
Safety awareness must override performance pressure in all activities
Assessment celebrates progress and identifies areas for continued development
Water safety skills learned here can genuinely save lives in real situations

Common Misconceptions

Faster swimming is always better - emphasis on sustainable pace for distance
Clothing makes you sink - proper technique creates effective flotation
HELP position is uncomfortable - it's designed for survival not comfort
Rescue always means entering water - reach and throw methods often safer
Assessment is just about passing - it's about developing life-saving competence

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear activity boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between assessments

dyspraxia

Simplified skill breakdowns, extended practice time, alternative rescue method options

autism spectrum

Clear structure with advance warning of activities, calm zones available, predictable routines

visual impairment

Clear verbal instructions, tactile guidance for technique, buddy system for pool navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Modified swimming distances, adapted flotation techniques, alternative assessment methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Distance calculation, time measurement, percentage calculations for assessment

Science

Buoyancy and flotation principles, human physiology under stress, hypothermia effects

Geography

Water environments and hazards, weather effects on water safety

PSHE

Personal safety awareness, risk assessment skills, supporting others in difficulty

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position for maximum visibility of all students, particularly during deep water activities

Observation Focus

Monitor student energy levels, technique quality, and safety awareness throughout

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if students show signs of distress, exhaustion, or unsafe practice

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques clearly before student attempts, emphasise safety procedures

Verbal Cues

•'Pace yourself - this is endurance, not speed'
•'Trust your clothing float - relax and breathe'
•'Safety first - assess before you act'
•'Well done - you're developing life-saving skills'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full swimming pool facility with deep and shallow areas, minimum 25m length

Surface Check

Pool water quality checked, appropriate temperature (26-28°C), clear visibility

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All rescue equipment inspected and functional
•Clothing for flotation clean and appropriate size
•Stopwatches and timers working correctly
•Assessment materials kept dry and accessible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning during extended swimming assessment
•Exhaustion during 400m continuous swimming
•Panic during clothing flotation activities
•Injury during rescue scenarios
•Cold water exposure effects

Risk Mitigation

•Qualified swimming instructor supervision at all times
•Safety rescue equipment immediately available
•Gradual progression through all activities
•Clear emergency procedures established
•Student capabilities assessed before participation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Instructor positioned for maximum pool visibility
•Additional staff for clothing flotation supervision
•Emergency action plan clearly communicated
•First aid qualified staff present

Emergency Procedures

Immediate pool evacuation procedures, emergency services contact, first aid protocols