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Lesson 2 - Treading Water & Signals

Life-Saving Skills

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Year 9

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Water Safety

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1h 13min

Big Question

How can developing water survival skills and rescue awareness help save lives in emergency situations?

Learning Objectives

Improve treading water duration to 1 minute while maintaining calm breathing
Master arm signalling techniques while treading water to attract attention
Develop accurate throwing skills with buoyant aids for rescue scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate sustained treading water for their target duration
Students will signal effectively for help while maintaining water position
Students will throw buoyant aids accurately to designated targets at 5m distance

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

1 (minimum 1.5m deep section)

Ensure clear sight lines for supervision and emergency access

Alternative: Deep end of school pool or local facility

T-shirts

1 per student (30)

Students wear over swimming costumes to simulate clothing restriction

Alternative: Light cotton shirts or swimming t-shirts

Visual Aids

10-15

Store safely on pool deck, easily accessible for throwing practice

Alternative: Rescue rings, foam noodles, kickboards, empty plastic bottles

Stopwatch

3-4

Waterproof or protected from splash, visible to students

Alternative: Phone timers, pool clock, digital watches

Markers

6-8

Positioned at 5m intervals for throwing accuracy practice

Alternative: Floating targets, pool noodles, weighted markers

Whistles

For emergency stops and activity timing

Alternative: Electronic signals, voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Buoyant aid

A floating device that can be thrown to help someone in water difficulty

Casualty

A person who is in difficulty or danger in the water

Signalling

Using clear movements or sounds to attract attention and communicate distress

Rescue throw

Throwing a buoyant aid accurately to reach someone in water difficulty

Duration

The length of time an activity can be sustained

Emergency response

Quick, appropriate actions taken when someone is in danger

Eggbeater kick

Efficient treading water technique using alternating circular leg movements

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic swimming strokes and floating techniques
Introduction to treading water from Lesson 1
Understanding of water safety principles
Basic confidence in deep water

Current Skills

Extended treading water with clothing restrictions
Emergency signalling while maintaining water position
Accurate throwing techniques for rescue equipment
Understanding rescue scenarios and appropriate responses

Next Steps

Advanced rescue techniques and victim approaches
Surface diving and underwater rescue skills
Team rescue coordination and communication
First aid skills for water-related emergencies

Milestone Indicators

Can tread water calmly without panic for target duration

Maintains steady breathing while signalling

Demonstrates accurate throwing under pressure

Shows understanding of when to attempt rescue vs seek help

Key Teaching Points

Emergency water survival skills require calm, efficient movements and energy conservation
Effective signalling techniques use high, wide arm movements that are clearly visible from distance
Accurate rescue throwing focuses on technique and placement rather than power or distance
Treading water endurance improves through relaxation and efficient leg cycling movements
Emergency response follows 'throw don't go' principle - only trained rescuers enter water
Clothing in water increases difficulty and energy requirements for all swimming movements
Regular practice of survival skills builds confidence and competence for real emergencies

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Bigger arm movements are better for treading water. Correction: Small, efficient movements conserve energy and last longer
Misconception: Throwing as hard as possible gets better distance. Correction: Accurate technique with appropriate force is more effective for rescue
Misconception: Any strong swimmer can attempt water rescues. Correction: Only trained lifeguards should enter water - throw aids instead
Misconception: Signalling should be continuous when in distress. Correction: Intermittent signalling conserves energy while maintaining visibility
Misconception: Clothing always makes swimming impossible. Correction: Proper technique can overcome clothing drag, though it increases difficulty
Misconception: Panic helps in emergency situations. Correction: Calm, controlled responses are most effective for survival and rescue

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear breaks, immediate feedback and encouragement, movement variety within water activities, clear visual boundaries in pool area

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, additional practice time for coordination, larger target areas for throwing, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine establishment, visual activity schedule, designated quiet area near pool, predictable activity transitions, sensory considerations for water temperature

visual impairment

Clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, tactile guidance for throwing technique, bright coloured buoyant aids, verbal timing cues instead of visual signals

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear sightlines, written instruction cards, hand signal communication system, vibrating timer devices for duration practice

physical disability

Modified treading water positions if needed, alternative signalling methods, adapted throwing distances, assistive devices for water entry/exit

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring time durations, calculating throwing distances, recording and analysing improvement data, statistics of water safety incidents

Science

Forces and motion in water, buoyancy principles, human body systems during exercise, physics of throwing projectiles

Geography

Water safety in different environments, coastal and inland water hazards, environmental factors affecting water safety

PSHE

Emergency response procedures, helping others in crisis, personal safety awareness, responsibility for community safety

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position where you can see all students in water, near emergency equipment, with clear voice projection across pool area

Observation Focus

Monitor treading water technique for efficiency and fatigue signs, watch for panic indicators, assess signalling clarity, check throwing safety

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if student shows distress, intervene for technique correction before fatigue sets in, stop activity if safety compromised

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques from pool deck or water as appropriate, exaggerate movements for visibility, use positive examples from students, show both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Relax your shoulders, small leg movements'
•'Breathe steadily, stay calm'
•'High arm signals, make them see you'
•'Aim for accuracy, not power'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with minimum 1.5m deep section, clear emergency access routes

Surface Check

Pool water quality tested, appropriate temperature, non-slip pool surrounds clear

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All buoyant aids checked for damage and secure attachments
•T-shirts appropriate weight when wet, no loose parts
•Throwing equipment stored safely away from pool edge when not in use
•Emergency equipment including reaching poles and rescue tubes accessible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Drowning during treading water practice
•Fatigue leading to water difficulty
•Injury from thrown buoyant aids
•Panic during clothed swimming activities
•Collision between students during activities

Risk Mitigation

•Constant qualified supervision with rescue capability
•Progressive skill building with appropriate rest periods
•Clear throwing zones with safety protocols
•Buddy system for support and monitoring
•Emergency action plan clearly established and communicated

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all students
•Additional qualified supervisor recommended for large groups
•Emergency rescue equipment immediately accessible
•Clear communication system for stopping activities instantly

Emergency Procedures

Immediate water rescue capability, clear evacuation procedures, first aid qualified staff present, emergency contact numbers available