Life-Saving Skills
•Year 9
•Water Safety
•Ensure pool depth suitable for treading water practice (minimum 1.5m deep area)
Alternative: Large swimming pool or controlled water environment
Place at various distances from pool edge, some at 20m marker
Alternative: Pool noodles, kickboards, inflatable objects, rescue tubes
Must be clean and appropriate size - students wear over swimwear
Alternative: Old polo shirts, lightweight clothing
One end secured to pool edge for reaching practice
Alternative: Pool lane ropes, rescue ropes, floating rope
Mark 10m and 20m distances clearly
Alternative: Floating markers, lane ropes
Maintaining an upright position in water by moving arms and legs to stay afloat
Methods of entering water that minimise risk of injury, especially in unknown depths
The upward force that keeps objects floating in water
Skills and techniques needed to stay safe and alive in water emergency situations
Figure-8 arm movements used to maintain position while treading water
Any buoyant item that can provide support or assistance in water
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Measuring distances and times for swimming activities; calculating energy expenditure and heart rate during exercise
Understanding buoyancy, density, and forces in water; study of human respiratory and circulatory systems during exercise
Water safety awareness for different environments (rivers, seas, lakes); global water safety statistics and climate effects
Development of life-saving techniques and maritime safety; famous water rescue stories and their impact on safety practices
Personal safety awareness and risk assessment skills; building resilience and confidence in challenging situations
Move around pool perimeter maintaining visual contact with all students, especially during treading water and distance swimming
Monitor breathing patterns, signs of fatigue, technique quality, and safety awareness throughout activities
Step in immediately if student shows distress, breathing difficulty, or unsafe behaviour around water
Demonstrate all techniques from pool edge or in water as appropriate, ensuring visibility for all students and emphasising safety aspects
Swimming pool minimum 20m length with deep end for treading water practice (1.5m+ depth)
Pool water clear and chemically balanced, pool deck dry and non-slip around edges
Immediate water rescue protocols, access to first aid equipment, emergency contact procedures, and incident reporting systems
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.