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Lesson 7 - Survival Swimming Techniques

Life-Saving Skills

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Year 9

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Water Safety

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52 min

Big Question

How can mastering different swimming strokes save your life in real water emergencies?

Learning Objectives

Begin 400m continuous swimming using multiple strokes
Learn lifesaving backstroke and sidestroke techniques
Practice advanced straddle entry and develop stroke variety for survival swimming

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved technique in at least two survival swimming strokes
Students will show understanding of pacing strategies for distance swimming
Students will perform advanced straddle entry with confidence and safety

Equipment & Resources Required

Pool Access

Full pool including deep end

Ensure deep water area is clearly marked and supervised

Alternative: Open water access with safety supervision

Box Tops

1 set per student

Students to bring old clothes that can get wet

Alternative: Tracksuits, lightweight clothing

Stopwatch

2-3 timers

Position where all students can see timing clearly

Alternative: Pool clock, mobile phone timers

Angle Guides

Laminated reference sheets

Waterproof materials positioned at pool edge

Alternative: Demonstration videos, poolside charts

Rope

As available

Create clear swimming lanes for distance work

Alternative: Pool dividers, floating markers

Key Vocabulary

Lifesaving backstroke

A backstroke variation that allows for rescue carrying while maintaining forward vision

Sidestroke

A survival stroke swum on the side, efficient for long distances and rescue situations

Stroke variety

Using different swimming strokes to prevent fatigue and adapt to conditions

Distance pacing

Managing effort and speed to maintain swimming over long distances

Survival swimming

Swimming techniques designed for emergency situations and self-rescue

Extended endurance

The ability to maintain swimming activity for prolonged periods

Advanced straddle entry

A water entry technique that maintains visual contact and allows for equipment carrying

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 extended periods
Basic water entry techniques
Swimming 200m continuously

Current Skills

Lifesaving backstroke and sidestroke
400m continuous swimming preparation
Advanced straddle entry
Swimming in clothing

Next Steps

Extended distance swimming challenges
Advanced rescue techniques
Open water swimming preparation
Competitive stroke refinement

Milestone Indicators

Smooth stroke transitions without stopping

Consistent breathing pattern maintained throughout

Efficient technique maintained when tired

Confident performance in challenging conditions

Key Teaching Points

Safety is paramount - constant supervision and awareness of clothing challenges
Technique quality over speed - survival strokes must be sustainable
Progressive building toward 400m goal - pace development crucial
Real-world application - connect skills to actual emergency scenarios
Confidence building - overcome clothing restrictions through gradual adaptation
Stroke variety benefits - different muscles, energy conservation, adaptability
Emergency mindset - develop calm, problem-solving approach to water challenges

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster swimming is always better - correct with focus on efficiency and endurance
Believing clothing always makes swimming impossible - show adaptation techniques
Assuming rescue strokes are the same as competitive strokes - emphasise survival focus
Thinking one stroke fits all situations - teach stroke selection strategy
Believing distance swimming requires constant fast pace - teach sustainable pacing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified stroke patterns initially, extra practice time, patient technique building

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection time

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all techniques, tactile guidance for stroke learning, buddy system for safety

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written technique guides

physical disability

Modified stroke techniques, assistive flotation if needed, adapted entry methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Distance calculations, timing and pacing, stroke rate mathematics

Science

Human body systems during exercise, physics of buoyancy and drag, water safety science

Geography

Water environments, coastal safety, global water emergency scenarios

PSHE

Personal safety, emergency preparedness, supporting others in challenging situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Poolside position allowing observation of all students, with quick water access for assistance

Observation Focus

Monitor technique development, fatigue levels, safety compliance, and confidence building

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, technique correction, or when students show distress

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, emphasise safety aspects, show energy-efficient techniques

Verbal Cues

•'Long, smooth strokes!'
•'Breathe regularly!'
•'Work with the clothing, not against it!'
•'Pace yourself for distance!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full swimming pool with deep and shallow water access, minimum 25m length

Surface Check

Pool water quality tested, appropriate temperature for extended activity in clothing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check clothing suitable for swimming (no restrictive items)
•Verify rescue equipment positioned around pool
•Ensure timing equipment waterproof and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning risk increased due to clothing weight
•Fatigue from extended swimming activity
•Panic response to clothing restrictions
•Collision risks during group activities

Risk Mitigation

•Constant supervision with qualified pool staff
•Gradual introduction to clothing challenges
•Clear boundaries and swimming lane organisation
•Regular fatigue monitoring and rest breaks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all swimming areas
•Monitor individual students for distress signs
•Maintain rescue equipment within immediate reach

Emergency Procedures

Immediate water rescue procedures, emergency contact protocols, first aid equipment accessible