New
New
All years

Rookie lifeguard

I can select the most appropriate action to take when someone else is having an aquatic emergency.

New
New
All years

Rookie lifeguard

I can select the most appropriate action to take when someone else is having an aquatic emergency.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: different actions are performed to role play different casualty types in the water.
  2. Move: performing throws with buoyant objects requires accuracy and control.
  3. Think: a throwing rescue is the safest rescue you can perform.
  4. Feel: respect and maturity are required to perform emergency role play scenes.
  5. Connect: clear communication with the casualty is essential for safe rescue.

Keywords

  • Casualty - someone who is in trouble in the water

  • Reaching rescue - a rescue method where you use an object to reach out to a person who is in difficulty in the water

  • Throwing rescue - a rescue method where a buoyant object is thrown to a person who is in difficulty in the water

Common misconception

Strong swimmers don't get into difficulty in the water.

Even strong swimmers can get into difficulty in the water if cold, tired, unwell or injured.


To help you plan your all years physical education lesson on: Rookie lifeguard, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Get pupils to wear light clothing when performing rescues.
Teacher tip

Equipment

large plastic balls; noodles; large bottles; clothing; bricks

Content guidance

  • Additional qualification required
  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What colour flag means it is too dangerous to swim?
yellow
green
Correct answer: red
Q2.
Which swimmer might need more support in a group survival situation?
older
faster
Correct answer: weaker
Q3.
What position is used to float if you fall into water?
tuck
pencil
Correct answer: star
Q4.
What code tells us what to do when in, on or around water?
water log
Correct answer: water safety
HELP

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Why is it important that you do not enter the water when performing a rescue?
takes time
Correct answer: increases danger
lowers risk
Q2.
What should you do before performing a water rescue?
call 999
Correct answer: shout for help
enter the water
Q3.
Which rescue type is higher risk?
Correct answer: reaching
throwing
calling
Q4.
What is important when reassuring a casualty in the water?
knowledge
correct equipment
Correct answer: clear communication