Lifesaving Skills and Water Rescue Competency
•Year 9
•Water Safety
•Ensure water temperature is suitable (minimum 28°C recommended). Verify depth is appropriate for age group. Check pool is clear of obstacles.
Alternative: Access to appropriate aquatic facility with qualified lifeguard supervision
Place markers at 10m and 20m intervals along the pool length to clearly indicate distances for towing challenges
Alternative: Pool buoys, floating markers, cones at poolside
If using mannequins, ensure they are appropriate weight for age group. If using partners, brief them on relaxation and safety
Alternative: Willing partners acting as casualties (ensure they are confident and comfortable)
Distribute to assessment stations or teacher use. Ensure batteries are fresh and devices are poolside-safe
Alternative: Pool pace clock, smartphone timers, waterproof watches
Position where all students can see from pool. Use to illustrate technique points and key teaching cues
Alternative: Laminated demonstration cards, waterproof teaching aids
A lifesaving technique where the rescuer supports the casualty's chin with a cupped hand whilst towing them to safety using sidestroke
Keeping the towing arm fully stretched out to maintain safe distance between rescuer and casualty, preventing panic grab
Keeping the casualty's nose and mouth clear of water to ensure they can breathe throughout the rescue
The rescuer's head position when performing sidestroke, with one ear touching the water to maintain horizontal body position
A modified backstroke using back sculling arm movements that allows the rescuer to see where they are going whilst towing
A powerful swimming stroke performed on the side, ideal for towing as it allows one arm to remain free whilst generating propulsion
The correct placement and orientation of the person being rescued to maximise their safety and the rescuer's efficiency
The method of safely reaching and making contact with a casualty in the water without endangering yourself
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Following complex multi-step instructions accurately. Technical vocabulary development and precise use of terms. Providing clear verbal feedback to partners. Articulating reflection thoughts in group discussions. Listening skills during demonstrations and partner feedback. Non-verbal communication through body language in partnership work.
Measuring and comparing distances (10m, 20m, 25m tows). Timing activities and calculating average speeds. Ratios in pacing (e.g., 2 seconds glide per 3 seconds propulsion). Estimating energy expenditure over different distances. Calculating personal improvement (e.g., time reductions, distance increases).
Understanding forces and propulsion in water - how scissor kick generates forward thrust. Buoyancy principles and how body position affects floating. Respiratory system and importance of maintaining clear airways. Cardiovascular responses to extended physical activity and recovery processes. Biomechanics of swimming strokes and lever systems in propulsion.
Understanding water environments and associated risks (pools, open water, sea). Spatial awareness and navigation during towing. Map-reading skills transferable to understanding rescue routes. Recognising environmental factors affecting water safety (temperature, depth, currents).
Trust-building through partner work in vulnerable situations. Responsibility for another person's safety. Resilience and growth mindset when facing physical and mental challenge. Empathy development through experiencing casualty role. Understanding how skills can serve others in emergencies. Appropriate physical contact and respecting boundaries.
Maintain position allowing visual contact with all students - typically mid-pool during most activities. Move to observe specific technique during partner work. Position at 10m mark during 20m tows for mid-tow observation and encouragement. Never turn back to active swimming students.
Watch for: 1) Extended arm position maintenance - most common technical error, 2) Casualty airway management - critical safety element, 3) Signs of fatigue causing technique deterioration, 4) Partner interactions remain appropriate and respectful, 5) Students who may need immediate intervention or differentiation adjustments.
Intervene immediately if: casualty airways compromised, extended arm position creating danger, student showing distress or excessive fatigue, inappropriate physical contact, technique has completely failed and students cannot self-correct. Provide encouragement and coaching when: technique deteriorating but safe, student losing confidence mid-challenge, partnership communication breaking down.
Demonstrate: All techniques in slow motion initially, then at full speed. Use exaggerated movements to highlight key points (cupped hand, locked elbow, ear-to-water). Provide narration during demonstration explaining what you're doing and why. Use confident, competent swimmer as casualty for demonstrations so students see realistic execution. Freeze at critical points to allow observation of position. Demonstrate common errors as well as correct technique, clearly labelling which is which. Invite strong students to demonstrate during lesson to provide peer models.
25m swimming pool minimum, ideally with shallow end (0.9-1.2m depth) and progression to deep end (minimum 1.8m depth for rescue scenarios). Clear width of minimum 10m for partner towing practice. Adequate poolside space for demonstrations and group discussions.
Water temperature minimum 28°C for extended swimming activities. Water clarity must allow visibility of pool bottom throughout. Pool filtration and chemical balance verified before lesson. Poolside non-slip surface checked for safety. No obstacles or hazards in pool or surrounding area.
STOP activity immediately on any whistle blast or alarm. All students move to nearest wall and hold rail. Teacher conducts headcount. Lifeguard responds to emergency following pool emergency action plan. Teacher coordinates remaining students and accounts for all persons. First aider summoned if required. Incident recorded according to facility and school procedures. Parents informed of any incidents involving their child. Lesson only resumes once all-clear given and all students accounted for and settled.
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