Lifesaving Skills and Water Rescue Competency
•Year 9
•Water Safety
•Ensure clear lanes for stroke practice and open area for treading water activities
Alternative: Shorter teaching pool acceptable if depth suitable for treading water practice
Position to create distinct practice zones for different activities
Alternative: Floating objects, pool noodles, or visual markers on pool edge
Ensure visible to students during timed treading water challenges
Alternative: Smartphone timer apps, wall clock with second hand, digital pool clock
Available poolside for students requiring additional support during skill development
Alternative: Pool noodles, floatation belts
Positioned poolside for visual reference of techniques and signals
Alternative: Large visual cards with safety signal diagrams
A variation of backstroke using back sculling movements that allows the rescuer to keep eyes on a casualty whilst swimming backwards
A modified front crawl technique where the head remains above water throughout to maintain visual contact with a casualty or hazard
A stroke performed on the side of the body using asymmetric arm movements and breaststroke leg action, efficient for long-distance swimming and towing
Techniques used to minimise energy expenditure in water by using efficient movements, controlled breathing, and appropriate body positioning
A technique to maintain an upright position in water without touching the bottom, using leg and arm movements to stay afloat
Standardised hand and arm gestures used to communicate distress, status, or needs in aquatic environments
The ability to achieve maximum propulsion through water with minimum energy expenditure using proper technique
The ability to sustain physical activity over extended periods without significant fatigue or loss of technique
An alternating circular leg movement used in treading water where each leg moves in opposite directions, providing continuous upward propulsion
A propulsive movement using the hands and forearms in a figure-eight pattern to create controlled movement through water
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Following complex multi-step instructions, descriptive vocabulary for movement and sensation, articulating reflections and self-assessment, persuasive language in team discussions during scenario challenges
Timing and measurement (treading water durations, swimming distances), counting stroke cycles, calculating efficiency (distance per stroke), heart rate calculations and recovery rates, geometry of body angles for streamlining
Cardiovascular system response to exercise (heart rate elevation and recovery), respiratory system demands during sustained activity, buoyancy and density principles, forces in water (propulsion, drag, resistance), thermoregulation in aquatic environments
Open water environments and safety considerations, tides and currents (rip current awareness), coastal rescue services and their operations, international water safety standards
Resilience and perseverance during physical challenges, managing anxiety and fear in new situations, teamwork and supporting others, personal responsibility for safety, risk assessment and decision-making in emergency scenarios, building self-confidence
Station yourself at pool edge with unobstructed view of all students throughout lesson. During deep water treading practice, position centrally to observe entire group. During relays, stand at finish line with clear sightline to all lanes. Never turn your back to active students in water.
Monitor continuously for: body position and technique execution, signs of fatigue (laboured breathing, deteriorating technique), facial expressions indicating distress or anxiety, students drifting out of designated areas, unsafe interactions between students. Prioritise safety observation over technique coaching.
Intervene immediately if: any student shows distress signals, technique breakdown creates safety risk, fatigue compromises ability to maintain water position, competitive elements override safety, students exceed safe limits for their ability level. Provide rest, simplification, or support as needed.
Demonstrate all techniques in water where possible for clearest visibility. Perform movements slowly and deliberately with exaggerated key points (e.g., obvious head position, extended glide). Use verbal commentary during demonstration: 'Notice how I...' Position yourself where all students have clear sightline. Repeat demonstrations for complex skills (side stroke). Invite confident students to demonstrate alongside you for peer modelling.
Swimming pool with minimum depth of 1.2m for treading water practice and 2.5m+ for deep water skill development. Clear zones designated for shallow end skill introduction and deep end endurance activities.
Pool water clarity verified - bottom visible throughout. Pool deck dry and non-slip surfaces checked. Steps and entry/exit points clear of hazards.
Stop all activity immediately if any student shows distress. Use emergency stop signal (three short whistle blasts). Initiate rescue protocol: reach, throw, row, go. Qualified lifeguard enters water if required. Remaining students move to wall and hold. Teacher assesses situation, provides assistance, or directs emergency response. Resume only when safety confirmed.
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.