Essential Water Safety Skills
Water Skills for Life Year 3-5 Health and Physical Education Building confidence and safety in water
Lesson 1: Pool Safety and Safe Entry
WALT: Identify pool safety rules and demonstrate safe water entry methods Success Criteria: Students can name 3 pool rules and show 2 safe entry techniques Differentiation: Visual rule cards for ESOL learners, buddy system for support Extension: Students create their own safety poster
Activity: Safe Entry Practice
Students choose their preferred safe entry method Practice different techniques each week Partner observation and feedback Teacher demonstrates proper form
Lesson 2: Water Confidence Building
WALT: Move confidently in shallow water using support Success Criteria: Walk forwards/backwards, perform small jumps, play water games safely Differentiation: Pool noodles for extra support, simplified instructions Extension: Create new water movement patterns
Quick Check: Water Safety Rules
What should you always do before entering the pool? Name two safe ways to enter water Why do we walk, not run, around pools? When should you ask for help?
Lesson 3: Breathing and Submersion
WALT: Control breathing and safely put face in water Success Criteria: Take deep breath, blow bubbles, submerge face for 3 seconds Differentiation: Start with splashing face, use goggles if needed Extension: Count to 5 underwater with eyes open
Bubble Blowing Challenge
Sit on pool bottom and blow bubbles slowly Make humming sounds underwater Count to 5 using fingers with eyes open Pick up objects from pool floor
Lesson 4: Introduction to Floating
WALT: Understand floating principles and attempt back float with support Success Criteria: Explain what makes us float, try supported back float Differentiation: Extra support aids, shorter floating attempts Extension: Independent float for 5 seconds
Water Safety Reminders
{"left":"Always check pool depth before entering\nNever swim alone - buddy system\nListen to pool supervisors\nAsk for help when needed","right":"Walk, don't run around pools\nEnter water safely using proper techniques\nKeep breathing controlled and calm\nPractice skills regularly"}
Remember: Water Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
"Safe water skills save lives. Practice makes progress, and progress builds confidence."