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Lesson 6 - Water Rescue & CPR Skills

Lifesaving Skills and Water Rescue Competency

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Year 9

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Water Safety

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1h 10min

Big Question

How do you make life-or-death decisions when multiple people need rescuing in a water emergency?

Learning Objectives

Consolidate CPR skills with 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio and recovery breath techniques
Master surface diving techniques (feet-first and head-first) and underwater casualty management
Apply critical decision-making skills in complex emergency scenarios with multiple casualties

Key Outcomes

Students will perform accurate CPR sequences and recovery breaths on mannequins
Students will execute both surface diving techniques and safely turn unconscious casualties underwater
Students will demonstrate sound judgement in prioritising casualties during emergency simulations

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

1 (25m minimum with deep end 2.5m+)

Ensure depth markers clearly visible, deep end roped off for controlled practice, emergency equipment accessible poolside

Alternative: None - specialist facility required for surface diving practice

CPR Mannequin

1 per 5 students (minimum)

Position around pool edge at stations, clean with antibacterial wipes between groups, check valve mechanisms functioning

Alternative: CPR training torsos if full mannequins unavailable, ensure facial shields/barrier devices available

Diving Bricks

25 (various colours)

Distribute across pool floor at varying depths 1.5m-3m, colour-code for different challenge levels

Alternative: Weighted diving rings, rubber diving sticks (must be pool-safe, no sharp edges)

Sun Markers

Permanent or temporary markers every 0.5m depth

Ensure visibility from both above and below water, use contrasting colours for clarity

Alternative: Floating lane ropes at depth transition points, underwater depth signs on pool walls

Props

As needed (boat model, island marker, casualty identification cards)

Waterproof materials only, positioned before lesson in scenario area of pool

Alternative: Laminated scenario cards, pool noodles as boat debris, floating markers for island

Overhead space check

1 set poolside (rescue pole, ring buoy, first aid kit, AED)

Verify presence and accessibility, brief students on locations at lesson start, qualified first aider present

Alternative: None - statutory requirement for pool operation

Stopwatch

1 per station (6 total)

Used for CPR timing (30:2 cycles) and surface dive challenges, ensure water-resistant models

Alternative: Waterproof sports watches, pool clock for group timing

Score Sheets

1 per pair (15 total)

Include CPR technique checklist and surface dive criteria, chinagraph pencils for marking

Alternative: Waterproof notepads, digital tablets in waterproof cases for poolside use

Key Vocabulary

Surface diving

A controlled descent from the water surface to retrieve objects or reach casualties underwater, using either feet-first or head-first technique

Wade rescue

A shallow water rescue technique where the rescuer walks through water to assist a casualty while maintaining personal safety

Stand-off distance

The minimum 2-metre safety gap maintained between rescuer and casualty to prevent the rescuer being grabbed and pulled under

Recovery breaths

Five initial rescue breaths given to an unconscious drowning casualty before starting CPR compressions, to restore oxygen to the lungs

30:2 ratio

The CPR cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, repeated continuously until emergency services arrive

Casualty prioritization

The systematic process of assessing multiple casualties to determine who requires immediate rescue based on severity of condition and risk factors

Recovery position

A stable side-lying position that keeps an unconscious breathing casualty's airway open and allows fluids to drain from the mouth

Feet-first surface dive

A vertical descent technique where the rescuer drives downward with powerful leg kicks, arms reaching downward, used in unknown depth or for controlled approach to casualties

Head-first surface dive

A streamlined descent technique with hands leading, body following in pike or straight position, used for quick descent to known depth objects

Unconscious casualty turning

The technique of safely rotating a face-down unconscious person in water to face-up position to enable rescue breathing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic swimming competence across all four strokes
Understanding of personal survival techniques including floating and treading water
Introduction to basic rescue principles and reaching/throwing rescue methods
Awareness of pool safety and emergency procedures
Basic CPR knowledge including chest compression location

Current Skills

Advanced CPR technique with correct 30:2 ratio and recovery breaths
Surface diving skills for underwater object/casualty retrieval
Wade rescue approach using 2-metre stand-off principle
Underwater casualty turning and safe landing techniques
Emergency scenario analysis and casualty prioritization

Next Steps

Advanced open water rescue scenarios with environmental factors
Team-based rescue coordination and communication protocols
Extended CPR sequences with AED (automated external defibrillator) integration
Cold water survival techniques and hypothermia management
Lifeguard training foundation skills and qualifications pathway

Milestone Indicators

Confident execution of both surface diving techniques without hesitation

CPR sequences performed with correct rhythm and minimal errors

Logical, safety-focused decision-making in complex scenarios

Ability to coach and support peers during practice activities

Understanding of when to activate emergency services vs. self-rescue

Key Teaching Points

SAFETY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE: Head-first surface diving ONLY in water 2.5m+ depth minimum. Never allow exceptions. Enforce 2-metre stand-off distance absolutely - explain repeatedly that unconscious casualties are the ONLY exception. Build safety-first culture where students understand that speed and competition never justify unsafe practices.
FEET-FIRST DIVING SEQUENCE: Drive UP to go DOWN principle - explosive upward jump creates momentum that converts to downward force. Timing is critical: breathe at the peak of upward movement for maximum lung capacity. Simultaneous arm press (down past hips) and powerful scissor leg kicks create the descent force. Body must stay vertical like an arrow - bending at waist wastes force horizontally.
HEAD-FIRST DIVING TECHNIQUE: Sharp 90-degree pike at hips is essential for inversion - shallow bend won't tip the body vertical. Hands reach straight down toward target creating streamlined descent path. Legs must lift vertical quickly as upper body descends - this completes the inversion. Dolphin kick is most efficient for depth, but breaststroke kick acceptable for beginners learning the motion.
CPR ACCURACY MATTERS: Hand position centre of sternum (two finger-widths above xiphoid process), fingers interlaced, arms locked straight, shoulders directly over hands. Compression depth MUST be 5cm (2 inches) to effectively compress heart chamber - too shallow is ineffective. Rate is 100-120 compressions per minute (Stayin' Alive or Baby Shark tempo). 30:2 ratio for adults: 30 compressions, 2 rescue breaths, minimal pause between cycles. Drowning casualties receive 5 recovery breaths FIRST before starting compressions (restores oxygen to water-filled lungs).
CASUALTY TURNING SPINE SAFETY: ALWAYS support head/neck first - hand slides under base of skull/upper neck maintaining neutral alignment. Approach from SIDE never front/back for optimal control. Use hip as pivot point - hand on far hip, rotate casualty TOWARD rescuer using smooth gentle motion. Face must clear water immediately as turn completes - airway priority. Continue head support throughout and after turn until casualty secured in recovery position or rescue breathing begins.
EMERGENCY DECISION-MAKING PRIORITIES: Unconscious casualties CANNOT save themselves - they take absolute priority over conscious casualties who can hold on/wait. Children are more vulnerable - if two casualties have equal severity, child takes priority. Distance is secondary to severity - swim past close conscious casualty to reach distant unconscious casualty if needed. Use environmental resources: island for conscious casualties to swim to with coaching, debris for flotation, calling for additional help. Rescuer safety FIRST - cannot help anyone if you become second casualty (2m stand-off, assess risks, don't exceed capabilities).
PROGRESSION IS INDIVIDUAL: Some students will master head-first diving quickly, others need multiple lessons on feet-first only - differentiate expectations. Surface diving depth achieved varies by body composition, strength, and confidence - celebrate personal progress not just absolute depth. CPR quality matters more than speed - accurate slow CPR superior to fast sloppy compressions. Emergency decisions have multiple valid answers - reasoning quality matters more than matching teacher's answer. Never shame students struggling with challenging skills - drowning/rescue scenarios can trigger anxiety for those with water trauma history.

Common Misconceptions

MISCONCEPTION: 'If I dive down really hard, I'll go deeper' - REALITY: Depth comes from UPWARD drive first (momentum conversion), then powerful downward force during descent. Driving straight down from surface without upward jump results in shallow dive - physics principle of momentum transfer. CORRECTION: Demonstrate with exaggerated upward jump showing how height converts to depth, vs. flat surface push-down showing minimal descent. Explain: 'Like a basketball bounce - push down hard, it comes up high; that upward energy converts back to downward force stronger than original push.'
MISCONCEPTION: 'Head-first diving is always faster/better' - REALITY: Head-first is faster only when depth is known AND sufficient (2m+). In unknown depth or shallow water, feet-first is safer and equally effective. Head-first in shallow water = catastrophic head/neck injury risk. CORRECTION: Show video/images of diving injuries (age-appropriate), explain paralysis risk from head-first shallow diving. Practice decision-making: 'Unknown pool? Feet-first. Murky water? Feet-first. Under 2m depth? Feet-first. Clear 2.5m pool we know? Either technique safe.' Context determines technique choice.
MISCONCEPTION: 'CPR fixes drowning/brings people back to life' - REALITY: CPR maintains minimal blood flow and oxygenation until advanced medical help arrives. It doesn't restart the heart (defibrillators/medications do that) or reverse drowning damage. CPR buys time for paramedics/hospital treatment. Without CPR, brain damage occurs within 4-6 minutes; WITH CPR, brain viability extends to 10+ minutes until professionals arrive. CORRECTION: Explain CPR is 'bridge to advanced care' not cure. Show CPR survival statistics: with bystander CPR survival doubles/triples vs. no CPR. Emphasise: 'Your CPR keeps brain alive until ambulance arrives with equipment and drugs to actually restart heart - you're the lifeline, doctors complete the rescue.'
MISCONCEPTION: 'You should always rescue the closest person in emergency' - REALITY: Proximity is less important than severity. Unconscious casualties deteriorate fastest (drowning progression, brain damage) requiring immediate help. Conscious casualties can hold on, tread water, use flotation - they can wait brief periods. CORRECTION: Use scenario comparisons: 'Person A: 3m away, conscious, holding pool edge. Person B: 15m away, unconscious face-down. Who needs you most urgently? Person B - Person A is safe temporarily, Person B is dying right now.' Teach triage concept: 'Worst injury first, not closest casualty first.'
MISCONCEPTION: 'You need to get close to help a panicking person' - REALITY: Conscious panicking casualties have superhuman strength from adrenaline - they WILL grab you and pull you under in their survival instinct, drowning you both. 2-metre stand-off prevents this. You help from distance using: thrown flotation, extended poles/reaching aids, verbal coaching to safety. CORRECTION: Demonstrate dramatically with volunteer showing grab speed/strength (controlled), explain adrenaline physiology. Share real rescuer drowning statistics (20-30% of rescuer deaths occur when grabbed by casualty). Show rescue alternatives: 'From 2m I can throw this ring buoy on a rope, extend this pole for them to grab, coach them to turn and swim to pool edge - all while staying safe.'
MISCONCEPTION: 'If someone's unconscious, you should shake them or sit them up' - REALITY: Unconscious casualties may have spinal injuries (especially diving accidents). Shaking causes further damage. Sitting up allows airway to block (tongue falls back) and fluid aspiration (water in lungs drains into airway). CORRECT APPROACH: Minimise movement, support head/neck in neutral alignment, turn to face-up position ONLY if face-down (to enable rescue breathing), maintain horizontal position for breathing assessment and CPR. CORRECTION: Explain spinal injury risk using anatomy models/diagrams showing fragile neck vertebrae. Demonstrate correct minimal-movement technique vs. dangerous shaking. Practice 'look, listen, feel for breathing' assessment on horizontal casualty without movement.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Structure lesson with clear, short activity bursts (4-6 minutes maximum) before transitions - matches attention span. Provide movement opportunities frequently - minimise sitting poolside time. Use high-energy activities first when focus is strongest (relay races, diving challenges early). Give specific, observable tasks: 'Retrieve 3 red bricks' not vague 'practice diving'. Position near teacher during instruction for redirection accessibility. Offer fidget tools poolside during discussion/demonstration segments (stress ball, textured object). Break CPR practice into micro-skills: practice compressions only for 2 minutes, then add breaths separately. Use immediate specific feedback frequently: 'Excellent pike angle just then!' Build in legitimate leadership roles: equipment distributor, timer manager, warm-up leader. Allow standing/moving during reflection rather than requiring static positions. Buddy with calm, focused partner who models on-task behaviour.

dyspraxia

Simplify surface diving to component parts: Week 1 = upward jump only, Week 2 = add arm press, Week 3 = add full dive - extended timeline for motor planning. Provide additional demonstration repetitions - show feet-first dive 5-6 times from multiple angles. Use larger, easier-to-grasp diving bricks initially (diving rings with handles). Practice CPR hand placement extensively on deck before mannequin practice - use hand outline stickers on sternum for placement guidance. Allow extra time for each skill attempt - no rushing, quality over quantity. Simplify casualty turning to verbal sequencing only initially, then add physical practice when confident. Provide step-by-step pictorial guides for each technique laminated poolside. Reduce distance requirements: 50m swimming not 200m in warm-up. Offer consistent peer buddy who can model skills slowly. Use verbal self-cueing taught explicitly: student says 'Up, breathe, down' aloud during feet-first dive to organise motor sequence. Celebrate effort and approximations of skills, not just perfect execution.

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule of lesson sections displayed poolside - tick off each section as completed. Pre-teach lesson content in prior session or through video if possible - familiarity reduces anxiety. Use consistent language and routine for instructions - same verbal cues each time. Offer quiet zone poolside for regulation breaks if sensory overload occurs (pool echo, multiple voices). Provide clear, specific success criteria for each skill avoiding abstract language: 'Bend at hips until hands touch toes' not 'pike sharply'. Use timers for visible time awareness (3 minutes left at this station). Pair with patient, understanding buddy who knows communication preferences. Prepare for emergency scenario emotionally - explain it's pretend/simulation multiple times. Allow opt-out from public speaking in presentations, submit written response instead. Minimise unexpected changes - if lesson plan alters, explain why and what's happening next.

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured high-contrast diving bricks (fluorescent orange/yellow) visible underwater. Provide tactile pool edge markers indicating depth zones (different textures for shallow/medium/deep). Pair with sighted buddy for all diving activities, buddy provides verbal distance/depth cues. Offer additional verbal descriptions during demonstrations: 'My arms are now extending straight down toward pool floor, hands together like arrow'. Allow exploration of CPR mannequin through touch before practice - learning hand position, sternum location, compression depth through tactile feedback. Use auditory signals for relay race starts (whistle) and transitions. Increase teaching time for spatial orientation in emergency scenarios.

hearing impairment

Position student with clear sight-lines to teacher for lip-reading and visual demonstration observation. Use visual demonstration extensively - show every technique multiple times from different angles. Provide laminated instruction cards with step-by-step photos for surface diving sequence, CPR steps, casualty turning. Use visual signals for relay races (flag drop, light flash). Ensure written/pictorial emergency scenario descriptions available, not just verbal. Arrange signing interpreter or communication support worker if available. Teach buddy to tap shoulder for attention/warnings. Use underwater visual signals for communication during diving (thumbs up = OK, hand wave = surface now). Ensure all verbal instructions also displayed on whiteboard or cue cards poolside.

physical disability

Adapt surface diving for students with lower limb impairment: focus on arm pull-down technique for descent, allow longer time to reach depth, provide fins for leg support if appropriate. Wheelchair users: assist with pool transfer using hoist or transfer board, practice CPR from seated position on pool deck, participate in emergency scenario decision-making as scenario coordinator role. Limited upper body strength: modify CPR to two-person technique (one compressions, one breaths), use lighter diving bricks, practice shallower diving (1m depth). Provide flotation support devices during casualty turning practice enabling participation while supported. Allow alternative demonstration of understanding through verbal explanation or peer coaching rather than full physical execution if necessary. Ensure changing facilities and pool access are fully accessible.

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development - learning and using specialised terminology (surface diving, stand-off distance, recovery position, casualty prioritization), understanding word roots (resuscitation = 'again' + 'rouse'). Instructional language - following complex multi-step verbal instructions during skill practice, giving clear instructions to peers during coaching. Presentation and discussion skills - articulating emergency scenario decisions to group, justifying choices with evidence, active listening during peer presentations, questioning others' reasoning constructively. Written communication - documenting assessment observations, writing reflection responses, creating emergency procedure guides.

Maths

Ratio application in CPR - 30:2 compression-to-breath ratio calculations, scaling for different time periods (how many complete cycles in 3 minutes?). Distance estimation and measurement - calculating 2-metre stand-off distance using body measurements, measuring depths for diving safety, estimating swimming distances in emergency scenarios. Time and rate calculations - compressions per minute rate (100-120 range), converting to compressions per second, timing recovery breath duration (1-1.5 seconds per breath). Geometry of diving angles - analysing pike position angle (90° optimal), body alignment vectors during descent, trajectory calculations for head-first vs feet-first diving paths.

Science

Cardiovascular and respiratory systems during intensive exercise - understanding heart rate elevation during diving, oxygen consumption increase during underwater breath-holding, blood oxygen saturation changes. Physics of buoyancy and water pressure - analysing how body mass/lung volume affects floating, calculating pressure increases at depth (10m = 1 atmosphere additional pressure), forces in surface diving (upward momentum conversion to downward force). Human anatomy in CPR - location of heart behind sternum, compression depth rationale (5cm compresses heart chamber), rib cage structure protecting vital organs.

Drama

Role-play in emergency scenarios - simulating casualty behaviours (panicking, unconscious, calm), understanding how fear affects actions, experiencing perspective of casualty vs. rescuer. Non-verbal communication - reading body language to assess casualty state (conscious awareness, pain indicators, panic signs), using gestures for underwater communication, demonstrating techniques through movement. Emotional regulation - performing skills while managing simulated emergency stress, maintaining calm demeanor to reassure casualties, controlling fear responses during challenging diving tasks.

Geography

Water safety in different environments - comparing pool rescue to open water (ocean, river, lake) considerations, analysing geographical features affecting rescue (currents, tides, underwater terrain). Risk mapping - identifying high-risk water locations in local area (beaches, reservoirs, canals), understanding seasonal variations in water safety (cold water temperatures in winter, algal blooms in summer). Global water safety awareness - researching drowning statistics by country, analysing cultural variations in swimming competence, understanding water access issues in different geographical regions.

PSHE

Making life-or-death decisions under pressure - ethical considerations in casualty prioritization (age factors, severity assessment), managing emotions during emergencies, responsibility in using lifesaving skills. Resilience and perseverance - overcoming fear of depth during surface diving, maintaining effort during challenging CPR practice, coping with failure when skills don't work initially. Teamwork and communication - coordinating during relay races, providing constructive peer feedback, facilitating group decision-making in emergency scenarios. Personal safety and risk assessment - understanding when to attempt rescue vs. calling for help, recognising personal limitations to prevent becoming secondary casualty, developing situational awareness.

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Begin lesson at shallow end for warm-up with visibility of all students during 200m swim. Move to pool corner (45° angle view) for maximum observation coverage during floating/treading drills. Position at deep end during surface diving demonstrations for close technique observation. Circulate between CPR stations during practice, spending 90 seconds per station minimum. Return to centralized location (middle of pool deck) for scenario discussions maintaining eye contact with whole group. During relay races, position at turn-end for safety oversight and penalty assessment. Cool-down positioning at shallow end creating calm atmosphere.

Observation Focus

WARM-UP: Watch for stroke efficiency and breathing patterns indicating fitness levels and technique quality. SURFACE DIVING: Focus on three critical points: 1) Upward drive height in feet-first (shoulders clearing water = sufficient), 2) Pike angle in head-first (90°+ = effective inversion), 3) Depth achieved relative to technique used (1.5m feet-first, 2m+ head-first). CASUALTY TURNING: Observe head support continuously - hand under neck throughout turn is non-negotiable safety point. CPR PRACTICE: Check hand position centre sternum, compression depth 5cm (mannequin clicks if present), rate 100-120/min (Stayin' Alive tempo), breath ratio 30:2 maintained. EMERGENCY SCENARIOS: Listen for safety principles in discussions: 2m stand-off mentioned, unconscious prioritised, resources utilised.

Intervention Points

IMMEDIATE STOP required for: any head-first diving in shallow water (<2.5m), dangerous racing behaviour compromising safety, casualty turning without head support, CPR compressions off-centre sternum. TECHNIQUE CORRECTION needed when: feet-first dives not reaching 1.5m after 3 attempts (insufficient upward drive - coach explosive jump), head-first pike too shallow causing surface skim not descent (cue 90° fold minimum), CPR rhythm incorrect (count aloud 'Stayin' Alive' tempo with them), casualties being rotated too rapidly without spine consideration (demonstrate slow controlled turn again). SUPPORT INTERVENTION when: students showing fear of depth (permit shallower practice with gradual progression), fatigue affecting performance (enforce rest period), peer conflicts during group work (facilitate communication, reset expectations).

Demonstration Notes

FEET-FIRST DIVE demonstration: Exaggerate upward jump showing shoulders 20cm+ above water surface so students see the 'drive up' clearly. Verbalize while demonstrating: 'Watching my jump - high shoulders - breathe NOW - arms press down, legs kick down together.' Enter water streamlined, retrieve brick from 1.5m, surface showing brick, model recovery breathing. HEAD-FIRST DIVE demonstration: Perform in slow-motion first showing: horizontal position, sharp pike (hands touching toes demonstrates 90°), legs lifting vertical (point toes to ceiling and hold 2 seconds for visibility), then full-speed demonstration reaching 2.5m depth. CASUALTY TURNING demonstration: Use volunteer, talk through every action: 'Approaching from side, left hand slides under neck - feel my support [volunteer nods], right hand on far hip, smooth rotation toward me - see the controlled movement, face clears water, neck still supported.' CPR demonstration: Use mannequin with visible compression indicators if available, count aloud with exaggerated rhythm matching Stayin' Alive, show hand position with fingers interlaced, arms locked straight, shoulders over hands. Between every demonstration ask: 'What did you notice about [specific technique point]?' to check observation quality.

Verbal Cues

•Surface diving feet-first: 'Drive UP to go DOWN! Explosive jump, breathe at peak, power down!'
•Surface diving head-first: 'PIKE sharp! Fold in half, legs to sky, kick deep!'
•Wade rescue approach: 'Bent knees, wide stance, STOP at 2 metres - safety gap!'
•Casualty turning: 'Head hand first - ALWAYS support the neck, hip rotates toward you, smooth and gentle'
•CPR compressions: 'Centre sternum, straight arms, 5cm deep, Stayin' Alive tempo!'
•CPR ratio: '30 compressions counting aloud, 2 breaths watching chest rise, repeat cycle!'
•Emergency decisions: 'Unconscious FIRST - they can't save themselves. Use resources - island, debris, coaching!'
•Relay races: 'Fast but SAFE - technique quality earns speed, not risky diving!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool minimum 25m length with deep end 2.5m+ depth for head-first surface diving practice. Shallow end 1.0-1.5m for wade rescue practice. Clear water visibility essential for supervision. Adequate deck space around pool perimeter for CPR mannequin stations (2m clearance minimum). Separate storage area for equipment accessible from pool deck.

Surface Check

Pool water chemistry verified within safe ranges (pH 7.2-7.6, chlorine 1-3ppm) before lesson. Water temperature 28-30°C suitable for 60-minute lesson duration. Pool floor non-slip surface checked - no algae or slippery film. Deck surfaces dry and clean - no water pooling creating slip hazards. Depth markers clearly visible both above and below water level.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•CPR mannequins inspected for valve mechanism function and structural integrity - no cracks or damage
•Antibacterial wipes and facial shields available for all mannequins - hygiene protocol enforced
•Diving bricks checked for secure weight, no sharp edges, colour coding intact for depth identification
•Rescue equipment verified present and accessible: rescue pole, ring buoy with rope, reaching aid, spine board
•First aid kit fully stocked and within 10 metres of pool - contents checked including AED functional status
•Emergency communication device (phone/radio) poolside with emergency numbers visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Diving-related injuries: head/neck trauma from diving in insufficient depth or striking pool floor
•Drowning risk: students attempting skills beyond capability or becoming fatigued without recognition
•Collision injuries: swimmers contacting each other during surface diving practice or relay races
•Overexertion: cardiovascular stress from intensive CPR compressions or repeated deep diving
•Disease transmission: cross-contamination through shared CPR mannequins if hygiene protocols not followed
•Ear barotrauma: pressure injuries from surface diving without proper equalization technique

Risk Mitigation

•Strict depth restrictions enforced: NO head-first diving in water less than 2.5m, supervision confirms compliance continuously
•Buddy system: all activities paired or grouped, no isolated individual practice in deep water
•Clear spatial boundaries: diving areas roped off, CPR stations well-separated, traffic flow patterns established
•Graduated progression: feet-first diving mastered before head-first attempted, depth increased incrementally 1.5m→2m→2.5m
•Mandatory hygiene: mannequins wiped with antibacterial solution between users, facial barriers used for all breaths
•Fatigue monitoring: regular rotation in activities, rest periods enforced, observation for signs of exhaustion (breathlessness, pale complexion, delayed response)
•Ear care education: students taught to equalize pressure (swallow/gentle blow) during descent, stop immediately if pain occurs
•Emergency action plan visible poolside: step-by-step response for unconscious casualty, spinal injury, cardiac event

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Qualified lifeguard or teacher with Pool Lifeguard Qualification present throughout lesson in dedicated supervisory role
•Teaching staff positioned for maximum visibility: corner positions allowing full pool observation, rotating to follow activity focus
•Deep end supervision priority during surface diving: dedicated observer watching entry and ascent phases continuously
•CPR station circulation: supervisor checks compression technique preventing student injury from excessive force
•High-risk activity double supervision: two qualified adults present during emergency scenario water practice and deep diving progressions
•Head count protocol: register at start, visual count after each transition, final count before dismissal to changing areas

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal: three short whistle blasts - all students freeze, look at supervisor. ASSESS: supervisor evaluates situation severity. RESPOND: Minor incident = first aid poolside, continue lesson modified. Major incident = activate emergency action plan (EAP): designate 999 caller, assign casualty care, clear pool of other students, secure scene, prepare for emergency services. Spinal injury protocol: stabilize in water, summon assistance, spine board recovery, minimal movement. Unconscious casualty: immediate rescue, poolside recovery, CPR if no breathing/pulse, AED deployment, continuous care until paramedics arrive. All incidents documented in accident book immediately following lesson.