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      Entry and exits, regaining feet, balance and movement

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can perform different entries and exits, and regain feet from lying on my back.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: entering the swimming pool using jumps and swivel entries and regaining standing all require control and balance.
      2. Move: exiting the swimming pool requires strength and balance.
      3. Think: regaining a standing position is useful for rest, to look for safety or to change direction in the water.
      4. Feel: controlling the speed and force of exits and entries requires self-discipline.
      5. Connect: swimming activities are important life skills requiring us to respect others as we increase water confidence.

      Keywords

      • Swivel entry - a method of entering the pool safely from a seated position

      • Jump in - a method of safely entering the pool from a standing position

      • Emergency situation - when someone is in danger either in or out of the water

      Common misconception

      Pupils think that climbing out using the steps is the quickest and safest way to exit the pool in an emergency.

      Climbing out over the side of the pool is often quicker and most appropriate when there is a whole class of students and prevents waiting or queueing.

      Teacher tip

      Exit and entry tasks can be performed on a range of gymnastics equipment.

      Equipment

      mats, bean bags

      Content guidance

      Additional qualification required

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What would you do if you heard 3 short whistle blasts when swimming?

      swim
      Correct answer: climb out
      go underwater

      Q2.
      What must you do before you enter the water in your swimming lesson?

      talk
      jump in
      Correct answer: wait until instructed

      Q3.
      How do you regain feet from your front in the water?

      bend forwards
      Correct answer: knees to chest
      reach downwards

      Q4.
      Why are swimming lessons good for you?

      Correct answer: teaches safety skills
      to wash
      to splash

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Why is it important to be able to climb out over the side of the pool?

      Correct answer: steps are crowded
      slower
      requires less strength

      Q2.
      Where should you bring your knees to when regaining a standing position from lying on your back in the pool?

      head
      Correct answer: chest
      side

      Q3.
      When jumping into a swimming pool, which of these do you need to check?

      depth
      Correct answer: teacher instructions
      time

      Q4.
      Which of these is a type of jump you can do into the pool?

      pencil
      pen
      ruler

      To help you plan your all physical education lesson on: Entry and exits, regaining feet, balance and movement, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...