Safe self-rescue circuit, swimming using different survival strokes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform a survival circuit selecting the most appropriate action for each emergency situation.
Key learning points
- Move: different body positions can be used to protect the head, maintain heat and keep the airways clear for survival.
- Move: all actions when responding to an emergency should be in a relaxed manner.
- Think: different emergency actions are required in order to be safe in different situations.
- Feel: self-motivation helps us to perform to our individual best in an emergency.
- Connect: moral support is helpful when in a group emergency in the water.
Keywords
H.E.L.P - a position to wait in for rescue to maintain body heat with the arms crossed and legs bent and squeezed together
Treading water - a skill that allows a person to maintain their head above the water in a vertical position whilst staying in one place
Huddle - a position for a group of casualties to wait in to maintain body heat, keep up moral and be more visible
Common misconception
When swimming sidestroke the legs perform a breaststroke action.
From the starting position of one leg stacked on top of the other, the top leg moves forward and the bottom leg moves backwards, the legs then snap back together in the starting position.
Teacher tip
Get pupils to imagine a pair of scissors when doing the sidestroke leg action.
Equipment
1 x large bottle per pupil, 2 pieces of floating equipment per pupil, 4 x “treasure chests” for example a box or hoop
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When swimming front paddle in a survival situation, what should your arms be like?
Q2.How long should you do a star float in an emergency situation before swimming?
Q3.What do you call choreographed movements performed in water?
Q4.How can you increase the distance you are able to swim?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of the huddle position in water?
Q2.What type of leg action is performed in the sidestroke?
Q3.What is required when working alone in an emergency situation?
Q4.What happens to your breathing rate in cold water?
To help you plan your all physical education lesson on: Safe self-rescue circuit, swimming using different survival strokes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your all physical education lesson on: Safe self-rescue circuit, swimming using different survival strokes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Swimming: strokes, distance and safe self rescue unit, dive into the full physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.