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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe dangers around water and explain how to keep safe.

      Key learning points

      1. It is easy to drown in water and many young people drown every year.
      2. Cold and moving water are especially dangerous.
      3. There can be hidden dangers under the water that we can't see.
      4. We should never go swimming without a trusted adult.
      5. We should follow the Water Safety Code.

      Keywords

      • Drown - when someone stays underwater too long and can’t breathe, which can be very dangerous

      • Safe - to avoid danger and stay out of harm

      • Emergency - a dangerous situation which needs immediate help

      Common misconception

      If the water looks safe, then it is.

      Cold water can kill people quickly. There are sometimes hidden dangers under water that we cannot see.

      Teacher tip

      Speak with your local police team or community support officers for more information and support. You could create a display or write to parents and carers before the summer holidays to remind them of the Water Safety Code.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of upsetting content

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:nutrients,substances found in food that help our body to live and grow
      Correct Answer:rest,to relax or sleep to allow your body and mind to take a break
      Correct Answer:exercise,moving our bodies to stay strong and healthy

      Q2.
      What is the missing word? When something is , it means good for us, our minds and bodies.

      Correct Answer: healthy

      Q3.
      Match the healthy life style choices with the correct example.

      Correct Answer:60 minutes of exercise every day,running, skipping, playing sport
      Correct Answer:eating a balanced diet,having lots of fruits and vegetables and small amounts of sugar
      Correct Answer:reducing screentime,turning off digital devices one hour before bed
      Correct Answer:getting enough rest,9-12 hours of sleep every night

      Q4.
      What should a healthy week include?

      staying up late every night to watch TV
      Correct answer: making healthy food choices
      Correct answer: getting enough rest and relaxation
      Correct answer: making time for regular exercise
      spending all your free time on digital devices

      Q5.
      What are the positives of exercise for our bodies?

      Correct answer: our sleep improves
      Correct answer: our bones and muscles get stronger
      our mood will be lower
      Correct answer: we are less likely to get a serious illness
      we are more likely to go to bed late

      Q6.
      Who should you speak to if you are worried about your diet or someone else’s?

      your best friend
      Correct answer: your trusted adult
      your younger sibling
      your pet rabbit

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:drown,when someone stays underwater too long and can't breathe
      Correct Answer:emergency,a dangerous situation which needs immediate help
      Correct Answer:safe,to avoid danger and stay out of harm

      Q2.
      A child should never go swimming without a ...

      Correct Answer: trusted adult

      Q3.
      Put the steps of the Water Safety Code into the correct order.

      1 - Stop and think
      2 - Stay together
      3 - Call 999
      4 - Float

      Q4.
      Why can water be dangerous?

      Correct answer: cold water can kill people quickly
      swimming on your own is never dangerous
      Correct answer: there can be hidden dangers underwater
      when water looks safe, there is no danger

      Q5.
      Who can help us if there is an emergency involving water?

      a pet cat
      a younger cousin
      Correct answer: a lifeguard
      a librarian

      Q6.
      How can we help ourselves if we get into a dangerous situation in the water?

      make ourselves into a pencil shape so we sink faster
      Correct answer: float with our hands and legs stretched out like a starfish
      Correct answer: shout and wave our arms if possible to get help
      dive down deeper under the water

      To help you plan your 3 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Staying safe near water, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...