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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how to stay safe around water and how to respond in a water emergency.

Key learning points

  1. Understanding water risks helps prevent accidents and drowning.
  2. Cold water shock can happen even in warm weather.
  3. Alcohol and peer pressure increase risks around water.
  4. Lifesaving techniques and emergency services can save lives.
  5. Knowing how to assess a situation is key to staying safe.

Keywords

  • Cold water shock - a sudden and dangerous reaction of the body to cold water, causing muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing

  • Throw rescue - a method of helping someone in water without entering yourself, using a float or rope

  • Current - moving water that can pull swimmers away from safety

Common misconception

Only weak swimmers drown.

Even strong swimmers can drown; conditions like cold water shock, currents, or fatigue can affect anyone.

Teacher tip

You may decide to work with your local police service to provide additional assemblies or guidance to families on the topic of water safety.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

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).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to the definition.

Correct Answer:melanoma,one of the types of skin cancer, the other being non-melanoma

one of the types of skin cancer, the other being non-melanoma

Correct Answer:mole,a common type of skin growth often dark brown in colour

a common type of skin growth often dark brown in colour

Correct Answer:antibodies,disease-fighting proteins that play a crucial role in an immune system

disease-fighting proteins that play a crucial role in an immune system

Q2.
Apply sun cream before you go out, every two hours, and after ...

Correct Answer: swimming, bathing, washing

Q3.
Which of the following statements are correct?

The sun can only damage my skin in the UK in the summer when it's hot.
Correct answer: The sun can damage my skin in the UK from March to October.
Correct answer: The sun can damage my skin even when it does not feel warm.

Q4.
Which of the following statements about sunbeds are true?

Sunbeds are safer than natural sunlight.
Sunbeds are legal for people of all ages.
Correct answer: Sunbeds are more dangerous than sunlight.
Sunbeds are recommended for teenagers with a vitamin D deficiency.
Correct answer: Sunbeds are illegal for under 18s.

Q5.
Which of the following is not typically a sign of skin cancer?

a new or changing mole
Correct answer: a stable freckle someone has had since childhood
a new growth or lump
a mole that changes in colour or shape

Q6.
The word describes something that continues to happen.

Correct Answer: persistent

6 Questions

Q1.
Cold water shock can happen even when the weather is , and can affect your breathing and movement.

Correct Answer: warm, hot, nice

Q2.
Match the word to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:current,moving water that can carry swimmers away from safety

moving water that can carry swimmers away from safety

Correct Answer:cold water shock,a sudden and dangerous reaction of the body to cold water

a sudden and dangerous reaction of the body to cold water

Correct Answer:throw rescue,helping someone in water using a rope or object without going in

helping someone in water using a rope or object without going in

Q3.
Which of the following is a safe way to help someone in water?

swim out to them, even if untrained
shout “You’ll be fine!” and walk away
Correct answer: use a throw rescue and call 999
wait and hope someone else helps

Q4.
Which of the following statements are correct?

Correct answer: Conditions at open water sites can change quickly.
Secluded open water sites like canals are the safest places to swim.
Correct answer: Planned and supervised swims are safer swims.
Open water sites are safe when there is no red and yellow flag visible.

Q5.
Which statement is true?

strong swimmers are safe in all water conditions
cold water shock only affects weak swimmers
only hot weather makes swimming risky
Correct answer: even strong swimmers can drown due to conditions

Q6.
Lifesaving techniques and services can save lives.

Correct Answer: emergency

To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Water safety, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...